Are you tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts that leave you reaching for extra sauce? Say goodbye to bland poultry forever! This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze delivers juicy, tender meat with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries transforms into a glossy, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a summer meal that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make.

In this recipe guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect chicken cuts, prepare a mouthwatering strawberry glaze, master the grilling technique, and serve up a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ll also cover essential tips for keeping your chicken juicy, flavor variations to try, and answers to common questions.

Why This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze Recipe Works

Uses affordable, easy-to-find boneless chicken cuts
Strawberry glaze comes together in just 15 minutes
Natural fruit acids tenderize the chicken while adding flavor
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements
Impressive enough for weekend gatherings but simple enough for weeknights
Vibrant colors make for an Instagram-worthy presentation

Choosing the Right Chicken for Strawberry Glazed Grilled Chicken

Best Cuts for This Grilled Chicken Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for this strawberry glazed grilled chicken, providing a neutral canvas that allows the glaze to shine. However, chicken thighs offer more inherent juiciness and are more forgiving if you’re new to grilling. For a crowd-pleasing option, use a combination of both to satisfy different preferences.

Buying Tips

Look for chicken with a pinkish color and no gray spots. Avoid packages with excess liquid at the bottom, which can indicate improper storage. If possible, choose organic or free-range chicken for better flavor. For more convenient cooking, select pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking times.

Substitutions

If chicken isn’t available, this strawberry glaze works beautifully on grilled turkey cutlets or even firm white fish like mahi-mahi or halibut. For a plant-based option, try extra-firm tofu or tempeh—just be sure to press and dry thoroughly before grilling.

Ingredients & Prep for Strawberry Glazed Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze: A Summer Flavor Explosion

Chicken Prep Essentials

For perfectly juicy grilled chicken with strawberry glaze, don’t skip these preparation steps:

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning
If using chicken breasts, pound to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) for consistent cooking
Season with salt and pepper 30 minutes before grilling to enhance moisture retention

Strawberry Glaze Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Pantry Staples

Make sure you have these essentials on hand for this grilled chicken recipe:

Quality olive oil (for both the glaze and brushing the grill)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Garlic powder (as a backup if fresh garlic isn’t available)
Fresh herbs for garnish (mint, basil, or additional thyme)

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next culinary adventure, check out Bikren’s recipe collection for creative dishes that will elevate your cooking game!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze

Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Grilled Chicken

Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry glaze: combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened
Strain half the glaze through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth basting sauce (reserve the chunky portion for serving)
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F)

Grilling Method for Strawberry Glazed Chicken

Clean and oil grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking
Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side
Flip chicken and brush generously with strained strawberry glaze
Continue cooking for 5-6 more minutes, applying more glaze every 2 minutes
For bone-in pieces, allow additional cooking time (about 8-10 minutes per side)

Doneness Check for Grilled Chicken

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety with grilled chicken. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone if using bone-in pieces:

Chicken breasts: 165°F
Chicken thighs: 165-175°F (can be safely cooked to the higher end for more tenderness)

The strawberry glaze should appear caramelized and glossy when properly cooked.

Resting Your Grilled Chicken

Once your chicken reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on a clean plate, loosely tented with foil. This critical step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor in your strawberry glazed chicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze

Avoiding Tough or Dry Grilled Chicken

Use a two-zone fire: create a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone to finish cooking thicker pieces
Apply glaze toward the end of cooking to prevent burning the sugars
For extra insurance against dryness, brine chicken breasts in saltwater solution (¼ cup salt per quart of water) for 30 minutes before cooking

Tool Recommendations for Grilled Chicken Success

Digital instant-read thermometer (absolutely essential for perfectly cooked chicken)
Long-handled silicone brush for safe glaze application
Heavy-duty grill tongs for easy flipping

Storage & Reheating Strawberry Glazed Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container with a bit of extra glaze to keep moisture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best reheating results, warm chicken in a 300°F oven covered with foil and a splash of chicken broth until it reaches 165°F internally (about 10-15 minutes). Microwave reheating will work in a pinch, but may result in tougher texture.

Looking for more cooking inspiration? Find mouth-watering recipe ideas on my Pinterest page where I share seasonal favorites and cooking techniques!

Flavor Variations for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze

Spicy Twist

Add a kick to your strawberry glazed chicken by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze. The heat beautifully complements the sweet strawberries, creating a complex flavor profile. For a milder heat that still adds interest, try adding a finely diced jalapeño with seeds removed.

Keto/Paleo Options

Make this grilled chicken recipe compatible with specialized diets:

For keto: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or allulose
For paleo: Use maple syrup or date syrup instead of honey
Both: Increase the olive oil to 2 tablespoons for added fat content

Global Flavor Inspirations

Cuisine	Flavor Addition	Key Ingredients
Mediterranean	Herb-forward	Add 1 tbsp each of fresh oregano and basil to glaze
Asian-inspired	Sweet-sour	Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and 1 tsp sesame oil
Mexican	Citrus-spice	Add lime zest and 1 tsp ground cumin
Caribbean	Tropical	Add 2 tbsp coconut milk and ½ tsp allspice

For a hearty winter alternative when strawberries aren’t in season, try this delicious beef stew recipe that offers the same level of flavor satisfaction in a warming dish.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze

Create a complete meal by pairing your strawberry glazed grilled chicken with complementary sides:

Fresh and Light Options:

Arugula salad with goat cheese and toasted almonds
Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
Quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and cucumber

Hearty Accompaniments:

Coconut rice with lime zest
Roasted sweet potato wedges with rosemary
Grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter

Beverage Pairings:

Rosé wine
Sparkling water with muddled strawberries and mint
Unsweetened iced tea with lemon

For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of greens with the reserved chunky strawberry glaze spooned over top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and herbs for a pop of color.

I’ve created a stunning serving suggestion for this dish on Pinterest that shows the perfect plating technique!

FAQs About Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze

Can I make the strawberry glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before using. The flavors actually develop nicely with a day of rest.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?

Absolutely! Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe. Frozen strawberries can sometimes be sweeter than out-of-season fresh ones, so adjust sweetener accordingly.

How do I fix overcooked grilled chicken?

If your chicken turns out a bit dry, slice it thinly against the grain and drizzle with extra warm strawberry glaze. For severe cases, shred the chicken and toss with the glaze plus a tablespoon of chicken broth to create a delicious filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Is this recipe suitable for outdoor gatherings?

This grilled chicken with strawberry glaze is perfect for backyard parties and picnics. You can pre-cook the chicken about 75% of the way, then finish with the glaze right before serving for a stress-free entertaining option.

Conclusion

Summer entertaining deserves recipes that celebrate seasonal flavors while keeping the cook cool and collected. This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze hits all the right notes—juicy, flavorful, visually stunning, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The unexpected combination of sweet strawberries with savory grilled chicken creates a memorable meal that’s sure to become a warm-weather favorite.

Fire up your grill tonight and transform ordinary chicken into a spectacular summer meal! This recipe has delighted thousands of home cooks who love the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tag me to show off your grilling masterpiece!

For more seasonal recipe inspiration, browse my complete collection of summer dishes on Pinterest where you’ll find everything from refreshing salads to grilled desserts!

Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze: A Summer Flavor Explosion

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Glaze is a sweet and savory summer sensation! Juicy grilled chicken is brushed with a luscious homemade strawberry glaze infused with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a hint of garlic — creating a perfect balance of tangy and smoky flavors that scream summer.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Strawberry Glaze:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp honey

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water (optional, for thickening)

Fresh basil or mint for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.

4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

5. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until strawberries break down.

6. Add lemon juice and cornstarch slurry (if using) and cook for another minute until slightly thickened.

7. Remove from heat and blend or mash until smooth.

8. Brush half of the glaze over the grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking.

9. Serve the chicken drizzled with remaining glaze and topped with fresh basil or mint.

Notes

Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet if grilling outdoors isn’t an option.

The glaze also pairs beautifully with salmon or pork tenderloin.

Serve with a side of couscous, grilled veggies, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
Calories: 340
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, strawberry glaze, summer chicken recipe, balsamic strawberry sauce