Heart-Healthy Basil Chicken
Savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of Heart-Healthy Basil Chicken, a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are gently simmered in a zesty sauce of lemon, garlic, and low-sodium chicken broth, complemented by the natural sweetness of softened cherry tomatoes. Fresh basil adds an aromatic finish that ties the dish together beautifully. Prepared with wholesome, heart-conscious ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and a modest touch of seasoning, this recipe is as good for your health as it is for your taste buds. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it's a quick, light meal that pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables or a nutrient-rich whole grain like quinoa. Ideal for anyone seeking delicious healthy chicken recipes, this is comfort food reimagined to support a well-balanced lifestyle.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 large lemon
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing your ingredients. Mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Zest the lemon to get about 1 tablespoon of zest, and then juice the lemon. Set aside.
Step 2
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and flatten them slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Step 5
Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
Step 6
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue to cook for about 3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften.
Step 7
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
Step 8
Chiffonade the basil leaves (stack, roll, and slice them thinly) and sprinkle them over the chicken.
Step 9
Serve the basil chicken hot, spooning the sauce and tomatoes over the top. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a whole grain like quinoa for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1288.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1484.9 |
| Total Fat 54.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
| Cholesterol 591.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1781.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 19.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.7g | |
| Protein 221.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 7.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 166.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2515.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories