I made this meal quite a while ago, but forgot to take a picture. I kept meaning to make it again, but every single time I put it on the meal plan, something came up to thwart my plan. Once strawberries were in season again, I was determined to make it again. I'm so glad I did, because I had forgotten how much I liked it! The sweet taste of the strawberries is very complimentary to the savory taste of the chicken and Parmesan. Now that I remember how delicious this meal is, I plan to try other berries in place of the strawberries.

3 cups strawberries (halve or quarter if large berries)
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
¼ cup strawberry preserves
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 3 lbs)
3 oz. Parmesan or white cheddar cheese
6 large fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Snipped fresh basil
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 3-quart baking dish, combine strawberries, vinegar and preserves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and set aside.Cut a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast by cutting from one side almost (but not through) to the other side. Cut Parmesan cheese into six pieces, and stuff into chicken breast pocket. Sprinkle basil on top of the cheese, and secure pockets closed with wooden toothpicks or skewers. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and set aside.

In a 12-inch-safe skillet, cook garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden brown, turning once. Transfer to oven, and bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add baking dish with strawberry mixture to oven, and bake 10 to 13 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and the berries are softened and jam mixture has thickened. Serve chicken with melted strawberries, and sprinkle with basil.

Ariana said... "Wow... I was JUST thinking about champagne cupcakes and then I came across your Tastespotting photo! My favourite cupcakes are definitely chai flavoured. I can't get enough of that spice! Congrats on your 100th post. :)

Congrats, Ariana! Chai cupcakes do sound fabulous. Email me at mrsdlovestoeat at gmail.com with your info to claim your prize! For those that didn't win, don't worry - I plan to have more giveaways in the near future!