If you are looking for a dish that is bursting with bright, fresh flavors and comes together quickly without a mountain of dirty dishes, this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken breasts get a delicate, fragrant coating of lemon, herbs, and garlic, then cook in a luscious buttery sauce all within a single skillet. The harmony of zesty lemon and sweet basil creates an irresistible melody on your taste buds, proving that elegance and simplicity can absolutely coexist in a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending zest, richness, or that herbaceous touch that makes the dish sing. The list is refreshingly straightforward, ensuring that even a novice cook can confidently assemble a remarkable dinner.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a light coating on the chicken to help form a beautiful golden crust and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, tangy lift that balances the rich butter and complements the herbs perfectly.
- Dried thyme and oregano: These classic Mediterranean herbs impart earthy, warm notes that enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors and add a gentle savory backbone.
- Chicken breasts: The lean protein star of the dish, sliced thinly for quick, even cooking.
- Olive oil: Provides a healthy fat that adds subtle fruitiness while helping the chicken brown nicely.
- Butter: Enriches the sauce with a creamy mouthfeel and carries garlic’s aroma beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings pungent, savory depth to the buttery sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and mild umami, rounding out the sauce with comforting savoriness.
- Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced, they offer a fragrant, peppery finish that’s colorful and fresh.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large dish. This combination forms the flavorful coating for the chicken. Evenly dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a thick, gummy crust. This step sets up the chicken for a perfect sear and adds an aromatic base to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the coated chicken breasts, cooking them for about 5 minutes per side or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and that lovely crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you build your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to get slightly bubbly but not browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute—this step releases a delicious savory aroma that fills your kitchen. Next, pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any of those wonderful browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits hold a lot of flavor and will enrich your sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens just a bit, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and warming through for about one minute. This allows the meat to soak up the tangy, buttery flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the freshly sliced basil leaves over the top, adding pops of vivid green and a fresh herbal fragrance. Serve with extra lemon slices for those who want an added citrus kick.
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and thin lemon slices are the perfect finishing touches. They brighten the plate visually and enhance the aromatic qualities of the dish. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt can also elevate the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The sauce from the chicken works wonderfully to drizzle over any starch, soaking into it for extra flavor. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, bring a lovely textural contrast too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta tossed lightly with olive oil to catch the sauce. You could also transform it into a vibrant bowl meal by laying it atop quinoa or sweet potato mash, then scattering extra fresh herbs and lemon zest. The beautiful colors of the basil and lemon make a stunning final visual impact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the fully cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. This will help maintain the moist texture without drying out the meat. Avoid using high heat to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, but they may require slightly longer cooking time. The flavors in the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe adapt beautifully to either cut.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, feel free to substitute with fresh parsley or a small amount of dried basil. The fresh herb, however, really brightens the dish in a way dried herbs cannot fully replicate.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour for coating the chicken. To make it gluten-free, swap it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
Butter adds creaminess and depth to the sauce, but you can substitute it with extra olive oil for a lighter version. Keep in mind that butter also helps mellow the garlic’s pungency and gives a richer mouthfeel.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken breasts are cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is no longer pink inside. Slicing the chicken in half lengthwise helps it cook evenly and more quickly, which is perfect for this one-pan recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe enough for those nights when you want something flavorful without fussing over complicated steps. It is quick, satisfying, and bursting with sunshine on a plate. Grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that feels both comforting and a little special. You’ll find yourself making it again and again, guaranteed!
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One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a lemony herb flour mixture, pan-seared to golden perfection, and then finished in a fragrant garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and basil. Served with a burst of fresh basil and lemon slices, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Zest and juice from 1/2 lemon, divided, plus extra lemon slices for serving
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 5 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Coat each chicken breast piece evenly in the flour mixture, then shake off any excess to ensure a light coating that will crisp up when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 10 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. Cook until both sides are nicely browned and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Melt the butter and sauté the garlic gently until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice from the reserved 1/2 lemon and chicken broth, scraping the skillet bottom to release any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer briefly until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, warming them through in the sauce for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh sliced basil and additional lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- For best results, slice the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook quickly and uniformly.
- You can substitute fresh thyme and oregano if available, using about 1 tablespoon each.
- Serve this dish alongside steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing as it can turn bitter.
- Leftover sauce can be spooned over rice or pasta for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
