The Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together the fresh, zingy brightness of lemon and the aromatic charm of basil to create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect any day of the week. This recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a heavenly blend of garlic, lemon juice, and fresh basil, then gently cooked to juicy perfection. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or something special to impress your guests, this dish offers a wonderful balance of flavors and a beautiful presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays an essential role in making this dish sing with vibrant flavors and irresistible aroma. Fresh basil and lemon bring brightness, garlic adds depth, and butter lends a rich, silky finish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for the best texture and tenderness.
- ½ cup freshly chopped basil: Fresh basil infuses the dish with a sweet, peppery essence that defines the flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Garlic adds a savory punch that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during cooking.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Lemon provides a bright, tangy lift that balances the richness of the butter.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Butter adds a luscious richness and helps the chicken develop a gorgeous golden sear.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key to enhancing all the fresh flavors in this recipe.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in a large plastic bag, then gently pound the thicker side of each breast so that both sides are even in thickness. This step ensures that your chicken cooks uniformly, preventing any parts from drying out or undercooking.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a separate large zip-lock bag, combine the freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until it forms a lovely herb-infused mixture bursting with fresh, aromatic notes.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bag, press out all the air, seal it tightly, and give it a good toss so every bit of chicken is well coated. Pop the bag in the refrigerator for about six hours, flipping the bag every couple of hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderization.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Butter
When you’re ready to cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm for 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the butter burn—the pan should be nicely hot to get a perfect sear on the chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken – First Sear
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place them carefully in the hot pan. Resist the urge to move them around immediately so you get a beautiful golden crust—let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the chicken over and let it cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. If needed, flip again to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfect Doneness
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the chicken cook more slowly for 10 to 15 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the center. Season with salt and pepper to taste for that final flavor lift.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, slice the chicken breasts and serve them over your favorite pasta or fluffy rice. A sprinkle of extra fresh basil and a wedge of lemon make a perfect finishing touch that elevates this dish to something truly special.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like torn basil leaves or lemon wedges brighten the dish visually and enhance the fresh flavors. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed asparagus, garlic butter green beans, or a crisp garden salad. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light risotto also complement the lemony herb flavors perfectly, making the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the chicken atop a bed of linguine tossed with olive oil and lemon zest or on a vibrant quinoa salad loaded with colorful veggies. For a rustic touch, plate the chicken with roasted root vegetables and sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe, store the sliced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or container. You can keep it frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient meal option for busy days ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking to maintain the tender texture and fresh flavors of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist longer. If you use them, adjust the cooking time accordingly since they may need a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for six hours?
While six hours is ideal for maximum flavor infusion, if you’re short on time, marinating for at least 1 to 2 hours can still yield delicious results.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used instead of butter for cooking if you prefer a lighter option or need a dairy-free alternative. Just be mindful that the buttery richness adds to the dish’s flavor complexity.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is key for that bright and fragrant note, but in a pinch, you can substitute with fresh parsley or dried basil. Just remember to use less dried herb since it’s more concentrated.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is a real treasure for anyone who loves vibrant, fresh flavors and simple cooking. It’s approachable yet elegant, bursting with sunshine from the lemon and herbaceous charm from the basil. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your favorite dinner rotation—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
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, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a fresh blend of basil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Cooked in butter over a skillet to perfection, it results in a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect to serve over pasta or rice for a light, satisfying meal.
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
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare 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 throughout.
- Make 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.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bag. Push all the air out of the bag, seal it, and toss the chicken to coat completely. Refrigerate for about 6 hours, flipping every two hours to allow even marination.
- Preheat the Skillet: When ready to cook, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, making sure the pan is hot but the butter does not burn.
- Cook the Chicken – First Side: Remove the chicken from the marinade, drain excess liquid, and add the chicken breasts to the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a good sear.
- Cook the Chicken – Flip: Flip the chicken over and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. Flip again as needed to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to low-medium and cook slowly for 10–15 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the center. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over pasta or rice. Garnish with extra fresh basil and lemon wedges if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For best results, do not skip pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Marinate for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat deeply; overnight marination is also excellent.
- Keep the butter from burning by adjusting heat as necessary during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for added brightness and visual appeal.
