If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delightful chicken dish, this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a perfect harmony of bright lemon juice, fragrant basil, and tender chicken that comes together in under 30 minutes. The flavors are wonderfully balanced, making it feel fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a quick weeknight supper. Every bite bursts with sunshine and herbal freshness, proving that effortless cooking can be incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe. Each item is straightforward but plays a crucial role—from the juicy brightness of fresh lemon juice to the aromatic punch of basil—and together they create a dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that absorbs all the vibrant flavors beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken cook up golden and juicy.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Delivers bright, zesty acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
- 2 tsp lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor with a fresh, fragrant twist.
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped: Offers a herby, sweet aroma that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds depth and a subtle kick of warmth.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy complexity and helps emulsify the sauce.
- 1 tbsp honey (optional): Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that round out all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade packs all the punch of this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe and will infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor from the very first moment it touches the meat.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and turn to coat each piece thoroughly. For best results, let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the fridge to deepen the flavors. The acid from the lemon helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with brightness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the pan, cooking about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. You want a beautiful golden crust on the outside while ensuring the inside is juicy and cooked through—reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Step 4: Add Basil and Finish
Once the chicken is nearly done, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top. The warm heat will release the basil’s fragrance and make it an irresistible final flourish. You can spoon a little extra marinade over the chicken during the last minute of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with a few basil leaves and thin lemon slices adds a pretty, fresh look that will impress at your table. For a touch of elegance, grate some lemon zest on top just before serving to revive the vibrant citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Light and fresh sides help keep the meal feeling balanced and let the chicken’s flavors shine front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a bit different, serve the chicken sliced over a bowl of quinoa or your favorite grain, drizzled with any extra pan juices. You can also layer it over a bed of sautéed spinach or grilled asparagus to add color and texture, turning your dinner plate into a vibrant masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly ensures the flavors stay vibrant and the chicken remains moist.
Freezing
If you want to make this in advance, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn, and label with the date so you know when it’s freshest to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is key to this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe because it brings a vibrant aroma and flavor that dried basil can’t replicate. If you must substitute, use about one-third the amount of dried basil but know the dish won’t be quite the same.
Is the honey necessary?
The honey is optional but highly recommended as it balances the tart lemon with a subtle sweetness, making the sauce rounder and more complex. If you prefer savory flavors only, you can leave it out without losing the essence of the dish.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! You can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Just make sure to baste once or twice with the marinade to keep it juicy.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to zest just the colorful outer skin of the lemon, avoiding the white pith underneath which can be bitter. This zest adds a powerful, fresh lemon flavor to the recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well with this recipe and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs tend to need a bit longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a little burst of sunshine on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s simple to prepare and packed with fresh, happy flavors. Give it a try—it’s bound to become a favorite that you’ll come back to time and time again.
Print
Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and aromatic basil. Enhanced with garlic, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey, the dish is quickly prepared on the stovetop for a bright, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade & Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped basil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, though longer marinating up to 30 minutes is ideal if time allows.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a small amount of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Optionally, spoon remaining pan juices over the chicken. Garnish with extra fresh basil and lemon slices if desired, then serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating to ensure even cooking.
- Honey is optional but adds a nice balance to the lemon’s acidity.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but use half the amount.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer for safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
