Are you tired of bland, boring chicken dinners that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet paradise with this irresistible Lemon Basil Chicken recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's so incredibly delicious, your family will think you've secretly hired a professional chef. The perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic fresh basil, and perfectly seasoned chicken will make this recipe your new go-to meal that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
- Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and showing clear grill marks.
- Flip chicken and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush reserved marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Remove from heat and let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil and serve hot with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear and maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't rush the marinating process - those 10-15 minutes allow the herbs and citrus to work their magic.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time. The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender. This allows the meat's juices to redistribute, preventing dry chicken.
- For extra flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of using a skillet for a delightful smoky char.
- Fresh basil is key - avoid dried herbs if possible, as they won't provide the same vibrant flavor profile.
- Pair this dish with light sides like a crisp salad or roasted vegetables to complement the bright, fresh flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
