Pan Seared Balsamic Strawberry Chicken with Melted Brie
This elegant skillet chicken combines savory pan-seared breasts with a sweet-tangy balsamic strawberry glaze and melted brie cheese. The sauce balances maple syrup and Dijon mustard with fresh strawberries, creating a sophisticated flavor profile perfect for date nights or special dinners. Optional bacon adds smoky richness, while jalapeño provides a subtle heat that complements the fruit beautifully. The dish finishes under the broiler where creamy brie melts into golden perfection over the glazed chicken and strawberries.
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces(optional)
- 4 6 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth, or water
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup, or honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons basil, sliced(optional)
- 8 ounces brie, sliced
Instructions
- 1
Cook bacon in large skillet and set aside, reserving bacon grease in pan
- 2
Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear until golden brown on both sides, then set aside
- 3
Cook onion in pan until tender, add jalapeño and garlic and cook until fragrant
- 4
Add broth and deglaze pan by scraping up brown bits with wooden spoon
- 5
Return chicken and bacon to pan, add balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, mustards, soy sauce, and strawberries and simmer
- 6
Mix in basil, sprinkle brie over top
- 7
Transfer pan to oven and broil until cheese melts
Tips
Reserve bacon grease for extra flavor when searing the chicken - it adds smoky richness to the dish.
Don't overcook the strawberries during simmering to maintain their texture and fresh flavor.
Let chicken rest briefly after searing before adding other ingredients to prevent overcooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent cheese from becoming tough.
Can prepare through searing chicken step up to 4 hours ahead. Complete sauce and broiling when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and chicken is hot. Pair with rice or crusty bread to soak up sauce.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip deglazing step - those brown bits add essential flavor to the sauce.
Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese - it melts quickly.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, simply omit bacon and use 2 tablespoons oil or butter to sear the chicken instead of bacon grease.
What if I don't have a broiler-safe pan?
Transfer mixture to a baking dish before adding brie and broiling, or melt cheese in microwave and spoon over plated chicken.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated up to 3 days. The strawberries will soften but flavor remains delicious when gently reheated.