Lemon Basil Chicken Breasts
Brighten up your dinner table with these irresistible Lemon Basil Chicken Breasts, a dish that marries zesty citrus with the aromatic sweetness of fresh basil. Perfectly tender and juicy, these chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then pan-seared to perfection for a golden, caramelized exterior. Optional pan sauce made with chicken broth and butter takes this recipe to the next level, adding richness to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant weekend dinner. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a refreshing, wholesome meal packed with vibrant flavors.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup chicken broth (optional for pan sauce)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for pan sauce)
Directions
Step 1
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 3
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 4
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
Step 5
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place them in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 6
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 7
If a pan sauce is desired, reduce the heat to medium and deglaze the skillet by adding the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 8
Stir in the butter and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and additional chopped basil for extra flavor.
Step 9
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken breasts and serve warm. Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (937.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1659.8 |
| Total Fat 79.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 622.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3310.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 7.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.4g | |
| Protein 217.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 16.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 116.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1916.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories