Looking for a chicken dinner that is simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress? This Chicken with Almond and Berry Relish combines juicy grilled chicken with a bright, sweet-tangy raspberry relish, crunchy California almonds, and fresh scallions.
The combination may sound unusual at first, but the flavors work beautifully together. The savory chicken provides a hearty base, while the raspberries add freshness and acidity. Toasted almonds bring satisfying crunch, and a touch of honey balances the tartness of the berries.
With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this colorful chicken recipe makes an easy dinner for 4–6 people.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Recipe
- Easy to prepare: The chicken requires simple seasoning and grilling or broiling.
- Sweet and savory: Tart raspberries and honey complement the savory chicken.
- Great texture: Fresh berries, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken create an interesting combination.
- Fresh and colorful: The berry relish makes an ordinary chicken dinner feel special.
- Perfect for entertaining: It's an attractive dish that can be prepared ahead.
- Weeknight-friendly: The recipe uses straightforward ingredients and doesn't require complicated techniques.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
For the Almond and Raspberry Relish
- 1/2 pint raspberries, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon finely minced or pressed garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup sliced California almonds
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
How to Make Chicken with Almond and Berry Relish
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag and add the olive oil. Seal the bag and gently massage the chicken so that it is evenly coated.
Refrigerate for 1–24 hours. This gives the chicken time to absorb the seasoning and helps prepare it for cooking.
2. Make the Raspberry Relish
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the relish.
Place about half of the raspberries in a small bowl. Add the lime juice, minced garlic, and honey.
Stir well while gently mashing the raspberries. Continue until they form a saucy mixture.
Taste the mixture and add a little more honey if it is too tart.
Add the salt and vegetable oil, then whisk until combined.
Gently fold in the remaining whole raspberries, sliced almonds, and chopped scallions. Try not to crush the remaining raspberries—you want the relish to have a mixture of textures.
Set the relish aside until the chicken is ready.
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or broiler.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use the internal temperature as the best indicator of doneness.
4. Finish and Serve
Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest briefly.
Sprinkle the chicken with the fresh lime juice, then generously spoon the almond and raspberry relish over the top.
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the relish is fresh.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken with Berry Relish
Don't overcook the chicken
Chicken breast can become dry when overcooked. Use the thickness of the chicken pieces as a guide and check for doneness with a food thermometer.
Keep some raspberries whole
The relish is more visually appealing when it contains a combination of mashed berries and whole raspberries. Gently fold the whole berries in at the end.
Balance the relish
Raspberries naturally have a tart flavor. Taste the relish before serving and adjust the honey if necessary.
Add the almonds near the end
Keeping the almonds out of the mashed berry mixture helps preserve their crunch.
Let the chicken rest
Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after cooking helps it remain juicy when sliced.
What to Serve with This Chicken
This chicken pairs especially well with simple side dishes that don't compete with the vibrant berry relish.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Vegetable stir-fry
- A simple green salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Quinoa
- Steamed green beans
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken alongside a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables.
Can I Use Other Berries?
Absolutely. Although raspberries are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other berries.
Blackberries can provide a deeper, slightly more intense flavor, while blueberries create a sweeter relish. Strawberries can also work, particularly when finely chopped.
For the best balance, choose berries that provide some natural tartness rather than using only very sweet fruit.
Can I Prepare the Relish Ahead of Time?
Yes. The relish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to serve the chicken.
For the best texture, keep the almonds separate until close to serving time if you're preparing the relish well in advance. This helps them retain their crunch.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and relish separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
For the best quality, enjoy the leftovers within a few days. Reheat the chicken gently and add the chilled or lightly tempered relish just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does raspberry relish taste like with chicken?
Raspberry relish provides a combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. The acidity of the berries and lime helps balance the richness of the chicken, while honey adds a touch of sweetness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, although cooking time will vary depending on their size and thickness.
Can I make this recipe without almonds?
Yes. If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the almonds. You can add another crunchy ingredient, such as toasted seeds, if desired.
Is this recipe good for a dinner party?
Definitely. The vibrant raspberry relish and sliced almonds make the dish visually appealing, while the chicken itself is easy to prepare in batches.
Recipe Card
Chicken with Almond and Berry Relish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–24 hours
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Raspberry Relish
- 1/2 pint raspberries, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon finely minced or pressed garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup sliced California almonds
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag with olive oil. Refrigerate for 1–24 hours.
- Combine half the raspberries with lime juice, garlic, and honey. Gently mash until saucy.
- Add salt and whisk in vegetable oil.
- Fold in the remaining raspberries, almonds, and scallions.
- Grill or broil chicken for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Sprinkle chicken with lime juice.
- Top with the raspberry, almond, and scallion relish.
- Serve immediately.