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
Scale
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
