If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts vibrant and comforting, this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a lively sauce of fresh lemon, zesty garlic, and an herby hit of basil—each bite is truly summer on a plate. Not only is this skillet classic a breeze to make on busy weeknights, but its cheerful flavors are sure to impress at any gathering. Get ready to fall in love with a crowd-pleasing favorite that brightens up your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great recipes are built on outstanding ingredients, and this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is no exception. Every item in this line-up brings bold flavors, essential textures, and gorgeous colors—so don’t skimp on freshness or quality!
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 pounds, boneless & skinless): Choose lean breasts for a lighter meal or opt for thighs for extra juiciness and tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This is the base for your searing, giving a beautifully golden crust and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth—don’t be shy with it!
- Lemon juice (1/3 cup, from about 2 lemons): Freshly squeezed brings the brightest, tangiest lift—bottled juice just can’t compete here.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Adds a punch of citrus flavor and an irresistible fragrance.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup, chopped): The star herb—use shiny, fragrant leaves for peppery sweetness and pop of green.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat that complements the citrus and herbs beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out the full spectrum of flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of aromatic heat grounds the lemony brightness.
- Lemon slices & extra basil (for garnish): The simple finishing touch that makes your dish look as fresh as it tastes.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps you get that golden, caramelized exterior. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning step is the foundation for flavor, so don’t rush it—you’re already on your way to making the best Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken and let it sear undisturbed for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until a luscious golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (165°F on a thermometer is perfect). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. That bit of patience is worth every juicy bite!
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
With the skillet still hot (lower the heat to medium), toss in the minced garlic. Sauté quickly—about 30 seconds—just long enough for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen. Pour in the lemon juice, stir in the zest, and add optional red pepper flakes if you like a little excitement. Let the sauce simmer for about one or two minutes until slightly reduced and deeply fragrant.
Step 4: Add Basil and Return Chicken to the Pan
Stir in the freshly chopped basil so its aroma and flavor infuse right into the sauce. Then gently return the chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat in that tangy, herbaceous lemon-basil sauce. Let everything heat together for another 2 minutes, making sure the chicken is warmed through and glistening with flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe to a serving platter. Scatter with extra basil and bright lemon slices for a restaurant-worthy finish. You’re officially ready to impress your hungry audience!
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the fresh look (and taste) of a few extra basil leaves and paper-thin lemon wheels fanned out over your Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe. They lend a splash of color, a punch of flavor, and that unmistakable “wow” factor when you bring the dish to the table.
Side Dishes
This tangy chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy white rice, a bed of angel hair pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce is so irresistible that you’ll want something to soak it up—crispy bread is a particularly good choice!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken and pile it inside warm pita bread with arugula and a drizzle of extra lemon-basil sauce. Or, serve atop a lemony farro salad for a hearty, picnic-ready main. The Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe adapts wonderfully for lunchboxes or even elegant party platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Just let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, store extra sauce separately to keep the flavors bright when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce loose and prevent drying. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch, but cover the chicken to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil delivers unmatched flavor and color, you can substitute dried basil in a pinch (use about 2 teaspoons). Just add it with the garlic to help hydrate and flavor the sauce, but try to use fresh for the full Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe experience!
What’s the best way to get juicy chicken?
For the juiciest chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet and let each piece sear undisturbed. Also, thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay moist, but breasts work beautifully as long as you monitor the cooking time and temperature closely.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinating your chicken in the lemon-basil mixture for 1–2 hours not only adds fantastic moisture but intensifies all those citrusy, herbaceous notes. Just don’t marinate overnight—the acid in the lemon can toughen the meat over time.
Is this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone avoiding wheat. Just be sure any sides or bread you serve are also gluten-free if needed.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Certainly! Grilling adds a smoky note that pairs wonderfully with the lemon and basil. Grill over medium-high heat, then finish with the lemon-basil sauce as instructed. It’s a great way to adapt the Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe for summer cookouts.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe has a way of brightening any meal, no matter the season. Give it a try and savor how the simple magic of zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and golden chicken transforms an ordinary dinner into something memorable—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
Print
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and tender chicken, creating a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Lemon Basil Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Extra basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic. Add lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in basil.
- Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Delicious served over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon-basil mixture for 1–2 hours before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
