Lemon Basil Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick, easy chicken breast recipe, try this lemon basil chicken! Goes incredibly well with rice, pasta or just by itself.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Basil Chicken 

• It’s Comforting: The garlic butter sauce is creamy, comforting and incredible with chicken breasts.
• Ready in 30 minutes: This lemon basil chicken recipe is such a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
• Makes Really Good Leftovers: Seriously, this chicken will become your new favorite leftover meal.

(You may also like: Marry Me Chicken)

Lemon Basil Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: Skinless boneless chicken breasts are best in this dish.
• Lemon Juice: Only use fresh-squeezed, and never bottled lemon juice.
• Basil: The fresher the basil the better! I prefer either garden-picked basil or basil you can buy in a pot at the grocery store.
• Butter: Your favorite unsalted butter of choice.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves (not pre-peeled in a jar).
• Flour: All-purpose.
• Olive oil: EVOO of course.

How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken 

1. Cook the Chicken. Flatten your chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook in 1 tbsp butter over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce. Melt the remaining butter, saute your garlic, then whisk in the flour. Slowly add chicken stock and lemon juice, then stir in lemon zest and simmer until thickened.
3. Simmer and Enjoy. Return the chicken breast to the skillet, coat in sauce, and simmer until heated through. Sprinkle with basil, adjust seasoning, and serve.

Basil Lemon Chicken Recipe Variations 

• Fill lettuce cups with lemon basil chicken, cucumber, and avocado for a lighter meal option. 
• Serve lemon basil chicken over rice with steamed vegetables and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
• Serve with your pasta of choice and pour the lemon basil chicken and its sauce over the top. 
• Use chicken thighs, if you want something heartier and more rich.

5 from 2 votes

Buttery Lemon Basil Chicken

If you're looking for a quick, easy chicken recipe, try this lemon basil chicken! Goes incredibly well with rice, pasta or just by itself.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients 

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• ▢ 1 ½ pound chicken breast
• ▢ 2 tbsp butter
• ▢ 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup chicken stock
• ▢ 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ▢ 1 ½ tsp lemon zest
• ▢ 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• ▢ salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions 

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• Flatten the chicken with mallet and season with salt and black pepper and set aside.
  
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  
• Remove the chicken from the skillet. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet.
  
• Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  
• Whisk in the flour until combined.
  
• Slowly pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, while stirring.
  
• Stir in the lemon zest.
  
• Return the chicken in the skillet and simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce is thickened. Sprinkle with chopped basil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and serve.
  

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach a minimum of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
• Place aromatics like sliced lemons, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs around the chicken while simmering for added flavor. 

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 38gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 329mgPotassium: 721mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 308IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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