If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet comes together in a flash, this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is going to become your go-to weeknight hero. Imagine juicy chicken breasts lightly coated with a fragrant blend of herbs and lemon zest, seared to a perfect golden brown, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and fresh basil. It’s simple but elegant, and the beauty of this recipe lies in the fact that everything cooks in just one pan, minimizing mess but maximizing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe delivers a stunning plate that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each plays its part in building layers of flavor, from the fragrant zest of lemon to the earthiness of dried herbs, creating a dish that’s both fresh and comforting.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps to create a light, crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly for a luscious finish.
- Lemon zest and juice from 1/2 lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy kick that wakes up the flavors and balances the richness of butter.
- Dried thyme (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle herbal aroma that harmonizes with oregano and basil for a Mediterranean feel.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, slightly peppery note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning mix.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound, sliced in half lengthwise): Slicing ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken, offering a fruity base that’s heart-healthy and flavorful.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich, silky sauce that melds perfectly with garlic and lemon.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth that’s essential for comfort food.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce, lifting all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (5, thinly sliced): Provide a bright, sweet herbal finish that makes this recipe distinctive and fresh.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large dish. This mixture forms the flavorful coating for the chicken, ensuring every bite has a bit of crispiness and aromatic punch. Dip each halved chicken breast into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess so the coating remains light and even.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the coated chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes total, flipping once so both sides turn a beautiful golden brown. This step seals in the juices and creates a stunning crust. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, don’t wash away those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add butter and minced garlic and sauté gently until the garlic releases its heavenly aroma. Next, stir in lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the skillet’s base to lift all those rich browned pieces, which infuse the sauce with deep flavor. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the warm sauce. Let the chicken soak up that garlicky, lemony goodness by warming through for about one minute. Just before serving, scatter freshly sliced basil leaves on top and add a few lemon slices for a zesty pop of color and freshness. This final touch turns the dish from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil and lemon slices as garnishes brightens the plate and enhances the aromatic profile of the dish. For a little extra sparkle, consider a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. These simple touches elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe shines alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring complementary textures and flavors. For a lighter option, pair with quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep it fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next dinner party? Serve this chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside garlic-infused pasta. You can also plate it on a rustic wooden board accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the divine sauce. Whatever you choose, the vibrant colors and delightful aroma will make this dish the star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-friendly containers. For best results, consume within 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain juicy tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the silky sauce and tender chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth while warming can help refresh the moisture and intensify flavor, making it taste just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay moist, but cook times may be slightly longer. Just make sure to adjust accordingly and check for doneness throughout.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use a small amount of dried basil or fresh parsley as an alternative. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, these herbs still provide a lovely fresh finish.
Is it okay to use chicken broth from a cube instead of fresh broth?
Yes! Using broth from a cube or powder is perfectly fine here and will still add delicious savory depth to the sauce. Just be mindful of the salt content so you don’t oversalt the dish.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This change won’t affect the taste much but will keep the coating light and the sauce thick.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and coat the chicken up to a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in a covered dish, then cook it fresh when you’re ready. This makes your meal prep even easier on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its combination of bright citrus, fresh herbs, and buttery garlic sauce keeps you coming back for more. Best of all, it’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week and impressive enough to serve guests. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked chicken any other way.
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One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a zesty flour mixture and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Finished with a buttery garlic lemon sauce and fresh basil, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Zest and juice from 1/2 lemon, divided, plus extra lemon slices for serving
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 5 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large dish, combine the flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Evenly coat each chicken piece in this flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to ensure a light, even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook them for about 10 minutes in total, flipping once until both sides are nicely browned and the chicken is cooked through. Then, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Allow the butter to melt and gently sauté the garlic until fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor. Let the sauce simmer briefly until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and warm them through in the sauce for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and top with freshly sliced basil leaves and extra lemon slices for garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the flour mixture.
- Use fresh herbs if available for brighter aroma and flavor.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning of the chicken.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
