This High-Protein Strawberry Basil Chicken Bowl recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.

High-Protein Strawberry Basil Chicken Bowls with Balsamic Dressing 16

It combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with savory grilled chicken, crisp spinach, and a tangy balsamic dressing for a truly delightful flavor experience. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch. Each serving provides about 35 grams of protein.

This vibrant berry salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy individuals and families looking for a healthy and flavorful meal without a lot of fuss.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
A Friendly Wrap-Up And The Best Way To Serve It

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner because it delivers on taste, health, and convenience all at once. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a fresh, light meal that still feels substantial thanks to the grilled chicken. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping healthy lunches for the week ahead. The combination of sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and aromatic basil creates a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying, making it a great choice for warmer weather or when you’re craving something bright and zesty.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this strawberry basil chicken bowl is straightforward, and many items might already be in your pantry or refrigerator. We focus on fresh, high-quality components to ensure the best flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for dressing
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 ounces fresh spinach
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or roughly chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can work just as well, though they might require a slightly longer cooking time. If fresh basil isn’t available, a small amount of dried basil (about 1 teaspoon) can be used in the dressing, though fresh is always preferred for this recipe’s vibrant flavor. For the dressing, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can omit the honey or maple syrup, or adjust the amount to your taste. Any type of neutral oil, like avocado oil, can be used in place of olive oil for grilling the chicken.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those busy days.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

These times are estimates and can vary slightly depending on your cooking speed and the thickness of your chicken breasts. Marinating the chicken, if you choose to do so, would add additional time but is not strictly necessary for this quick version.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these delicious strawberry basil chicken bowls is a breeze. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks.
Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the fresh spinach among four serving bowls.
Add Toppings: Arrange the sliced strawberries and chopped basil over the spinach in each bowl.
Add Chicken and Dress: Top each bowl with the sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle generously with the prepared balsamic dressing just before serving.
Serve Immediately: Toss gently and enjoy your fresh, vibrant chicken bowls!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This strawberry basil chicken bowl is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the chicken, strawberries, and spinach separately on a plate, allowing them to mix and match. A milder dressing, perhaps a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix, might also be preferred by younger palates.

To expand this for a party or buffet, consider serving it as a deconstructed salad. Have a large platter of grilled chicken, a bowl of fresh spinach, a bowl of sliced strawberries, and a separate dish of chopped basil. Offer the balsamic dressing on the side along with other optional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, or even some thinly sliced red onion for an extra bite. Other great additions could be avocado slices for creaminess or a sprinkle of poppy seeds in the dressing for texture. This setup allows guests to customize their own bowls.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your strawberry basil chicken bowls turn out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, which can really detract from the salad. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches this point. Resting the chicken after grilling is also crucial for juiciness.

Another slip-up can be dressing the salad too early. If you pour the balsamic dressing over the spinach too far in advance, the spinach can wilt and become soggy. For the best texture, always add the dressing just before serving or allow individuals to dress their own bowls.

Finally, not washing and drying your produce properly can impact the overall experience. Ensure your spinach is thoroughly washed and spun dry to prevent a watery salad, and gently wash your strawberries before hulling and slicing.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This strawberry basil chicken bowl is fantastic for meal prepping, but a little planning goes a long way to maintain freshness and texture.

To store components for future meals, keep the grilled chicken (sliced or whole) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The balsamic dressing can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. The fresh spinach should be stored separately in its original packaging or a container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Strawberries should be hulled and sliced just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

When you’re ready to assemble, simply combine the prepped ingredients. If you’re packing this for lunch, keep the dressing in a small separate container and add it right before you eat to keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh. Reheating the chicken is optional; it’s delicious served cold in this salad, but if you prefer it warm, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet can warm it through.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully thawed before grilling. Pat them very dry to ensure good searing.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan? You can cook the chicken in a regular skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat, or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I use other berries? Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries would be delicious in this salad, offering a slightly different flavor profile.

Is there a dairy-free option for this salad? The core recipe is already dairy-free! If you choose to add optional toppings like feta cheese, simply omit them to keep it dairy-free.

How can I make the dressing creamier? For a creamier dressing, you could blend in a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt or a small amount of avocado, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.

Can I add nuts to this salad? Yes, toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds would add a lovely crunch and extra healthy fats to the bowl.

What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use? A good quality balsamic vinegar will make a difference in the dressing. You don’t need the most expensive aged variety, but avoid very thin or overly sweet options.

A Friendly Wrap-Up And The Best Way To Serve It

These High-Protein Strawberry Basil Chicken Bowls are a testament

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.