One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe for those busy weeknights when you want something fresh, flavorful, but also fuss-free. What’s special about it is how the bright lemon and fragrant basil come together with tender chicken all cooked in one pan – which means less mess for you. I first fell for this dish when I needed a quick dinner that still impressed my family, and trust me, it delivers every time.

You’ll find that the simplicity of this recipe is its charm: minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, yet so much flavor. Plus, it’s perfect whenever you want a light but satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on that homemade touch. If you love meals that feel like they took hours but actually took minutes, this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites too.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is chosen to complement the others perfectly. Using fresh basil and lemon zest really amps up the freshness, while simple pantry staples like flour and dried herbs keep it easy to whip up anytime.

• All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a lovely golden crust.
• Lemon zest and juice: Essential for that bright citrus punch that defines the recipe.
• Dried thyme and oregano: Add warmth and earthiness to balance the lemon.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavors.
• Chicken breasts: Sliced in half lengthwise for quick, even cooking.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
• Butter: Builds a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory undertones.
• Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced and stirred in at the end for fresh herbal notes.

Variations

I love recommending a little personalization with this recipe – it’s flexible enough to tweak based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Here’s how I like to switch things up depending on the season or my mood.

• Protein Swap: I once swapped chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for juicier, richer results and my family loved the change.
• Dairy-Free: Replacing butter with coconut oil works beautifully if you’re avoiding dairy and still want a rich sauce.
• Heat It Up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gave the sauce a nice little kick that balanced the lemon’s brightness.
• More Veggies: I sometimes toss in cherry tomatoes or asparagus into the pan after the chicken cooks to make it a complete meal.

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with Flavorful Coating

Start by combining the flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. I like using a large plate because it’s easier to coat each piece evenly. Then, dredge your halved chicken breasts in the mixture, making sure every bit is coated but shaking off any excess flour – this prevents clumping and keeps the crust light.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes per side until both sides have a beautiful golden brown color. Don’t rush this step – that crust really locks in the juices and flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Zesty Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Stir and cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom – that’s where the magic hides! Simmer the sauce just until it thickens a bit to coat the chicken nicely.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Return the chicken to the skillet and warm it through for about a minute, letting it soak up the saucy goodness. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh sliced basil over the top and add a few lemon slices for a pretty presentation and extra zing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish with fresh basil leaves and a few thin lemon slices. Not only do these add a pop of color and freshness, but the extra lemon slices also invite everyone to squeeze a bit more zesty brightness on their chicken just before eating – a simple touch that really elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, and a fluffy lemon rice pilaf or creamy mashed potatoes. These soak up the luscious lemon-butter sauce beautifully and balance the meal with some comforting carbs and greens. On lighter meals, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken on a bed of basil-infused quinoa and decorating the plate with edible flowers and microgreens. It turns this homey recipe into a restaurant-worthy delight with just a few extra touches. Individual lemon wedges on the side add a personal serving detail that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I cool leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken stays juicy and the sauce keeps its tangy flavor for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner the next day without any fuss.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by placing the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. For the best texture, freeze for up to a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just be sure to add fresh basil after reheating to keep that vibrant flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. This helps keep the chicken tender and prevents the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, or heat in shorter bursts and stir often to maintain quality.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe has become my go-to when I want something that feels elegant but isn’t a hassle. Its balance of fresh, zesty citrus and fragrant basil with tender chicken always impresses—whether a quiet night in or casual dinner with friends. I’m excited for you to try it and hope it brings as much joy and ease to your kitchen as it does to mine. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe on repeat!

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