There is nothing quite like the bright, fresh flavors of the Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe to bring a burst of sunshine to your dinner table. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic, resulting in a meal that tastes effortlessly elegant yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re craving something light and healthy or a dish that impresses guests, this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is a fantastic go-to that delivers vibrant flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create the magic in this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe. Each element plays a vital role: from the citrusy punch of lemon to the aromatic burst of basil, and the garlic that adds depth, they come together perfectly to elevate the chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for juicy, quick, and uniform cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a silky base for the marinade, helping to tenderize and keep the chicken moist.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds tangy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant oils from the peel.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a savory depth that pairs beautifully with lemon and basil.
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil: Offers an herbaceous aroma and a fresh green pop of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the citrus and herbs.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that enlivens the palate.
- Lemon slices for garnish: Decorative and boosts the presentation as well as the flavor.
How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken for Perfect Cooking
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This simple trick helps them cook quickly and evenly, ensuring moist and tender results every time. It’s a step that elevates the dish from good to great!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Marinade
Combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This bright, herbaceous marinade is the heart of the Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe — it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with those iconic lemon and basil notes.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up all those flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, and ideally up to 4 hours. This time is key to achieving that juicy, flavorful bite that makes this dish so special.
Step 4: Grill or Sear to Perfection
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden sear and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat. The caramelized edges combined with the zesty marinade make magic.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
After cooking, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite moist and flavorful when you slice into it.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of thin lemon slices and a few extra fresh basil leaves can beautifully brighten the presentation. Not only does this add visual appeal, but it also reinforces the citrus-herb flavor theme that makes this dish memorable.
Side Dishes
Since the Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe shines with a light, fresh profile, pairing it with wholesome sides like fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or a crisp green salad works wonders. The sides soak up the delicious juices and balance the bright flavors perfectly, making for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve the sliced chicken atop a bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for extra color and texture. You could also drizzle some reserved marinade (saved before marinating the chicken) over the finished dish for an added punch of flavor and gloss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy quick, flavorful meals on busy days without having to cook from scratch every time.
Freezing
If you want to save the chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months while still maintaining its wonderful flavors.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, making sure not to overheat and dry it out. Adding a splash of reserved marinade or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can revive the flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may need a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a long time?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is great to get those flavors infused, but if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes can add some brightness. For the best results and juiciness, aim for 1 to 4 hours whenever you can.
Can I make this dish without grilling?
Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, cooking the chicken in a hot skillet or baking it in the oven works beautifully. Just watch the cooking times and temperatures to avoid dryness, and you’ll still have a delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is the optional red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can leave them out or adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
What can I do with the leftover marinade?
Make sure you reserve some marinade before adding the raw chicken. You can drizzle this reserved mixture over the cooked chicken for an extra hit of flavor and moisture. Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless you cook it first to avoid any safety risks.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that is both simple and packed with vibrant flavors, and this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the fresh, zesty charm of lemon and basil brighten your meal times with every delicious bite.
Print
Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Basil Chicken is a fresh and flavorful grilled main course featuring tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, zest, garlic, and fragrant basil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy summer meal, offering a delicious balance of zesty citrus and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Extra chopped basil (optional)
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag and gently pound using a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Preheat grill or skillet: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to sear the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or cook in the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and flavor before slicing.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken breasts and garnish with lemon slices and additional chopped fresh basil if desired. Optionally drizzle reserved marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade before adding the chicken and drizzle over cooked chicken just before serving.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for a mild kick of heat.
