If you’re craving a dish that sings with bright, fresh flavors and wraps you in comforting warmth, this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is a total winner. Tender chicken breasts get a gorgeous golden sear before being bathed in a tangy, buttery lemon sauce flecked with fragrant basil. It’s the perfect balance of zesty citrus and herbal goodness, making every bite sing with simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish never fails to bring a smile to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and vibrant color. You’re working with simple staples that come together beautifully and require no fuss.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly for quick and uniform cooking, these juicy pieces are the heart of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for frying your chicken to a golden crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatic warmth that wakes up the senses.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a subtle heat and depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus oils for a fragrant finish.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Infuses the dish with tangy brightness that balances the richness.
- â…“ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps create a luscious sauce.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Brings vibrant green color and a sweet, peppery herbal note.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Rounds out the sauce with creamy richness and smooth texture.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness; this helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to build that foundational flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. The sear locks in juices and adds a mouthwatering texture. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover it to stay warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth, gently scraping the skillet’s browned bits—they’re flavor gold. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, deepening the sauce’s citrus notes and melding the flavors.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Incorporate Basil
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the unsalted butter until the sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened. Then, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to infuse their fresh, peppery flavor. The sauce should shine with a glossy, velvety texture.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together gently for 1 to 2 more minutes so the chicken absorbs those vibrant lemon basil flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish feel even more special, garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or thin lemon slices. These not only add a pop of color but also an inviting aroma that pulls you into every bite.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or baby carrots add texture and a wholesome balance, turning your dinner into a complete celebration of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try plating the chicken breast atop a nest of herbed couscous or alongside a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Drizzling extra sauce around the plate turns this easy recipe into a restaurant-worthy feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken covered with the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, spooning sauce over it to keep it juicy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as skillet reheating preserves the texture and flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe as they’re naturally juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer.
Is fresh basil necessary, or can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is best here because it offers vibrant color and a lively flavor that dried basil can’t quite match. If you must use dried, add it earlier in the cooking process, but fresh really elevates this dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the butter or substitute it with a dairy-free margarine or a touch of olive oil at the finishing stage, and you’ll still get a lovely sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
For a deeper lemon garlic taste, marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes before cooking. This extra step is optional but rewarding if you have the time.
What wine pairs well with Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe?
A crisp, light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrusy and herbal notes perfectly, making your dinner even more delightful.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes you’ll make again and again because it feels fresh, comforting, and just downright delicious every single time. It’s a quick, flavorful way to brighten up any meal, and I hope it becomes a favorite on your table too.
Print
Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful lemon basil chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- â…“ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate deep flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the unsalted butter until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Then stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the lemon basil sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, garnished with extra basil or lemon slices if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
