Description
Lemon Basil Chicken is a flavorful main-course dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and tangy lemon. Perfectly pan-seared and finished with butter for a rich and refreshing meal, this recipe pairs well with pasta or rice and is great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, patted dry
Marinade
- 1/2 cup (12 g) freshly chopped basil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep 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.
- Prepare the Marinade: In another large zip lock bag, combine freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice. Stir to mix everything thoroughly, then add the chicken breasts to the bag.
- Marinate: Push all the air out of the bag, seal it, and toss the chicken in the marinade to coat completely. Place the bag in the refrigerator for about 6 hours, flipping it over every two hours to allow the chicken to marinate evenly.
- Heat the Pan and Butter: When ready to cook, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Do not let the butter burn; the pan should be hot before you add the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, drain off excess liquid, and add the chicken breasts to the hot pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes without moving.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken over and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. Flip it again as needed.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the chicken cook slowly for 10–15 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the center. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and serve over pasta or rice. Garnish with extra fresh basil and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full recommended time.
- If short on time, you can marinate for at least 1 hour, but longer is better.
- This dish can be served with pasta, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- A meat thermometer ensures juicy chicken—do not overcook.
- For a lighter option, use skinless chicken thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
