If you are on the lookout for a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and melts in your mouth, this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It strikes the perfect balance between zesty lemon and fragrant basil, delivering a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. The chicken marinates for hours to soak up every bit of that vibrant marinade, resulting in tender, juicy bites that pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Once you get a taste of this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dinners for a special weeknight or weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is truly its charm. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—fresh basil brings that herbaceous aroma, lemon adds a bright, tangy zing, and butter enriches the dish with silky smoothness. These essentials come together to create layers of flavor without any fuss.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Patted dry to ensure a beautiful sear and even cooking.
- ½ cup freshly chopped basil: Fresh herbs make all the difference in taste and color.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Adds aromatic depth that complements the lemon and basil perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps meld the marinade and keeps the chicken tender.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: The star ingredient, providing bright citrus notes that elevate the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a luscious finish when cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the thicker side of each breast until it matches the thickness of the thinner side. This ensures uniform cooking, so you avoid dry edges and undercooked centers.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In another large zip-lock bag, combine the freshly chopped basil, finely minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix everything together thoroughly to create a vibrant, herbaceous marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bag. Push out as much air as possible before sealing the bag tightly. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly, then place the bag in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. Flip the bag every two hours to ensure every inch of chicken soaks up that delightful Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe goodness.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Butter
When you’re ready to cook, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure the pan and butter are hot but not burnt before adding the chicken—in this step, patience pays off with a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drain off. Place the chicken breasts carefully in the hot pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to form that flavorful crust.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip each chicken breast over and cook them for another 5 minutes without moving. Then, turn the heat down to low-medium and continue to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). Season with salt and pepper to taste while the chicken finishes cooking.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once fully cooked, slice the chicken breasts and serve them over your favorite pasta or rice. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil and some lemon wedges to brighten the presentation and amplify the fresh flavors of this exceptional Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra fresh basil and freshly sliced lemon wedges make the perfect garnishes. They not only add a pop of color but also refresh the palate with each bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a silky finish that takes it up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, simple sides that let the chicken shine. Think fluffy white or brown rice, garlic buttered pasta, or even a crisp green salad with a subtle vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes also work wonders alongside this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your sliced chicken on top of a bed of creamy polenta or alongside quinoa with lemon zest and fresh herbs mixed in. You can also use the chicken cold atop a fresh spring salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing summer meal. The versatility of this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe means you can get creative without losing that signature flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated for an easy weekday lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, frozen cooked chicken is an excellent option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covering it to retain moisture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help keep it juicy. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out this beautifully marinated Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs usually need a bit more time to cook through.
How important is marinating time?
Marinating for about 6 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, making it tender and bursting with zest. If you’re short on time, even 1 to 2 hours will add flavor, though longer is best for this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! You can mix the marinade ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fresh basil is best added just before marinating for optimal flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is key for this recipe’s brightness, but if you only have dried basil, use it sparingly. Consider adding a bit of fresh parsley or mint for a fresh herb note to maintain that vibrant, fresh flavor profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure that any sides you choose are also gluten-free to keep the meal safe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how fresh lemon and aromatic basil come together in this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe to create a dish that feels both simple and special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is one to keep close. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and always brings smiles to the dinner table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken dinner!
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Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a fresh blend of basil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice, then cooked in butter until juicy and flavorful. Perfectly balanced with citrus and herb notes, it’s ideal for a light and vibrant meal served over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, patted dry
- ½ cup (12 g) freshly chopped basil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a large plastic bag. Pound the thick side of each breast until it matches the thickness of the thinner side, ensuring 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 to mix everything thoroughly, then add the chicken breasts to the bag.
- Marinate. Push all the air out of the bag, seal it, and toss the chicken in the marinade to coat completely. Place the bag in the refrigerator for about 6 hours, flipping it over every two hours to allow the chicken to marinate evenly.
- Heat the Pan and Butter. When ready to cook, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Do not let the butter burn; the pan should be hot before you add the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, drain off excess liquid, and add the chicken breasts to the hot pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a sear.
- Flip and Continue Cooking. Flip the chicken over and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. Flip it again as needed to ensure even browning.
- Finish Cooking. Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the chicken cook slowly for 10–15 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the center. 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
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 6 hours to allow the lemon and basil to deeply infuse the meat.
- Make sure not to burn the butter when heating the pan; keep the heat medium to medium-low if necessary.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, but cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If preferred, substitute olive oil with avocado oil for higher smoke point when cooking.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
