If you’re craving a dish that sings with fresh flavors and feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts soak up the vibrant zest of lemon and the aromatic freshness of basil, all perfectly balanced with garlic and butter without overpowering the natural juiciness of the chicken. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a restaurant-worthy meal, making every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet play essential roles in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each one brings something unique, from herbaceous brightness to savory richness, turning your everyday chicken into a standout dish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choosing fresh, quality chicken ensures juicy, tender meat every time.
- ½ cup freshly chopped basil: The secret to that unmistakable, fragrant freshness that wakes up your palate.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Adds a subtle kick and depth that complements both lemon and basil.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides moisture and helps bind the marinade ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brings a bright, tangy zing that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For a luscious finish and golden sear that adds richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Even Cooking
Pound the thick side of the chicken breasts to match the thinner side. This simple trick ensures the chicken cooks evenly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still undercooked. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
Step 2: Make the Lemony Basil Marinade
Combine freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and the zest and juice of your lemon in a large resealable bag. This marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor that are both bright and herbaceous, setting the stage for a delicious final dish.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Thoroughly
Add the chicken breasts to the bag, remove excess air, and seal tightly. Refrigerate for about 6 hours, turning every couple of hours to ensure the marinade saturates every bit of chicken. This patient step is where the magic happens, allowing those fresh flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
Step 4: Heat the Pan Just Right
Warm butter in a large skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until it starts to foam gently. Getting the pan hot enough is crucial for a beautiful golden crust on your chicken, so take your time here and don’t rush this step.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken for Color and Flavor
Drain the excess marinade and place the chicken breasts carefully in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes; this will develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in juices.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
Turn the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes without poking or pressing, allowing the other side to develop the same lovely sear and flavor.
Step 7: Cook Through Gently
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the chicken cook slowly for 10 to 15 minutes until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). This slow finish ensures the chicken stays moist and tender, absorbing all the buttery, lemony goodness.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, slice the chicken against the grain to keep each bite tender. Serve this vibrant dish over your choice of pasta or rice and garnish to elevate the presentation.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil and a few lemon wedges add color and extra brightness that awaken the senses right before eating. These simple touches make the dish feel fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
Lemon Basil Chicken pairs beautifully with light sides like garlic butter pasta, fluffy jasmine rice, or a crisp green salad. The mild sides balance the zesty chicken, creating a meal that’s both filling and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, serve the sliced chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables. Drizzle some of the pan juices over the top for an elegant touch that boosts flavor and moisture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Lemon Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the bright flavors again without losing the juicy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freezing works well too. Just wrap the chicken tightly in freezer-safe packaging and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve flavor and tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at short intervals. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist while warming it through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 6 hours?
While 6 hours is ideal for maximum flavor, even 30 minutes to 1 hour in the marinade can make a noticeable difference if you’re in a rush.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can combine the basil, garlic, lemon zest, juice, and olive oil ahead and refrigerate it up to 24 hours. Just add the chicken to the marinade when you’re ready to start marinating.
What if I don’t have fresh basil? Can I use dried?
Fresh basil really brightens the dish, but if you must use dried, use about one-third the amount and add it earlier in the marinade process since dried herbs need more time to release flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The chicken should feel firm but springy when pressed.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and approachable, perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend meal with loved ones. The bright citrus and fresh basil create an irresistible flavor combo that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this effortless yet elegant recipe your new go-to!
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 juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh basil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice, then pan-seared in butter for a flavorful and aromatic main dish. Perfect for a light dinner served over pasta or rice, this dish balances citrusy brightness with the delicate herbal notes of basil.
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
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large plastic bag and gently pound the thick side until it matches the thin side for even cooking.
- Prepare the Marinade: In another large zip lock bag, combine freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bag, remove excess air, seal, and refrigerate for about 6 hours, flipping every 2 hours to ensure even coating.
- Heat the Pan: Before cooking, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes without letting it burn; pan should be hot.
- Cook the First Side: Remove chicken from marinade, drain excess liquid, add chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes.
- Flip the Chicken: Turn chicken over and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes; flip again if necessary.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to low-medium and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve over pasta or rice, garnished with extra basil and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 6 hours enhances flavor but can be done overnight for deeper infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Be careful not to burn the butter when heating the skillet; medium heat is ideal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
