Description
This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Tender chicken cooked in a lemony basil sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices and extra basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in chopped basil and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices and extra basil if desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
- For a creamy variation, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
