If you’re looking for a bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that sings with flavors of sunshine, you’ve got to try this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe. The marriage of zesty lemon and aromatic basil with tender, juicy chicken makes every bite a little celebration on your plate. It’s a recipe that balances simplicity and elegance perfectly, proving that with just a handful of wholesome ingredients and some gentle care, you can create a meal that feels gourmet and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step toward nailing this recipe. Each component plays a key role: from the vibrant freshness of basil and lemon to the richness of butter and olive oil, every ingredient enhances texture, color, and flavor beautifully.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken and pat it dry for a perfect sear.
- ½ cup freshly chopped basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements lemon beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Brings depth and savory warmth without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps infuse the marinade and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Provides bright citrus notes that brighten the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness for that perfect pan sauce finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for boosting and balancing the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in a large plastic bag and pounding the thicker side gently until it’s even with the thinner part. This step is key because it ensures the chicken cooks evenly, preventing any part from drying out or staying undercooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In another large zip-lock bag, combine the freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix everything well to create a vibrant, flavorful marinade that will soak into every inch of the chicken.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bag, press out any excess air, and seal it tightly. Place the bag in the refrigerator for about 6 hours, turning it over every couple of hours to ensure the chicken absorbs all those fresh, zesty flavors uniformly. This slow marination makes all the difference in tenderness and depth.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Butter
When it’s time to cook, heat your butter in a large skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. The butter should sizzle gently without burning — this creates a luscious base for cooking the chicken and infuses it with rich flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade while letting the excess drip off, then lay it carefully in the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes so a beautiful golden crust forms, locking in juices.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
Turn the chicken breasts over and cook for an additional 5 minutes without moving them too much. This helps keep the chicken tender and develop that perfect balance of crisp and juicy textures.
Step 7: Finish Cooking Gently
Lower the heat to a gentle low-medium and keep cooking the chicken slowly for 10 to 15 minutes until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the center. This careful finish ensures the chicken is safe and succulent. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper during this final stage.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once perfectly cooked, slice your Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe and serve it over your favorite pasta or rice. A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves and a few lemon wedges will add a bright, inviting flourish.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and thin lemon slices or wedges make fantastic garnishes, enhancing both the aesthetics and the zingy flavor profile. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt at the end also adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic butter pasta, fluffy rice, or even roasted seasonal vegetables. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus rounds out the meal nicely, adding color and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or casual dinner, serve the sliced chicken over a bed of herb-infused quinoa or a creamy risotto. You can also turn it into a warm wrap with some fresh greens and a tangy yogurt sauce for an on-the-go treat. The Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is versatile enough to shine in many forms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save your Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe for longer, freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag. This way, it will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the juicy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and flavor, which can add richness to the dish. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The recipe calls for about 6 hours of marinating to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 2 hours, but longer will yield better flavor and tenderness.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps it cook consistently. While optional, it’s a helpful step to avoid overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or more olive oil to keep the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is key for its bright, herbal flavor. However, if you only have dried basil, use it sparingly and add it to the marinade to infuse some of the characteristic aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish like this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe that feels both sophisticated and comfortingly simple. Its fresh flavors, easy preparation, and versatility make it a wonderful go-to recipe to brighten up any weeknight or impress guests without stress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of fresh basil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice, then pan-seared in butter for a juicy and aromatic dish perfect for serving over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, patted dry
Marinade
- ½ cup (12 g) freshly chopped basil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large plastic bag and pound the thick side of each breast until it matches the thinner side to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Marinade: In another large zip lock bag, combine freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything thoroughly.
- Marinate: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bag, push out excess air, seal it, and toss to coat the chicken completely. Refrigerate for about 6 hours, flipping every two hours for even marination.
- Heat the Pan and Butter: When ready to cook, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, ensuring the pan is hot but the butter does not burn.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, draining excess liquid. Add chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. Flip again as needed to prevent burning.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to low-medium and cook the chicken slowly for 10–15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and serve over pasta or rice. Garnish with extra fresh basil and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before pounding for better marinade absorption.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours to maximize flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Do not burn the butter when cooking; medium heat with careful monitoring is crucial.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
