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Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 84 reviews

This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare chicken breasts with a zesty lemon and fresh basil sauce. Perfectly browned chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil, making a delicious, easy meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 ½ pound chicken breast
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts using a mallet to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Brown the chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce base: Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Thicken the sauce: Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste with the butter and garlic.
  5. Add liquids and flavorings: Slowly pour in the chicken stock and fresh lemon juice while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the lemon zest.
  6. Simmer the chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the chicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F for safety.
  • Add aromatics like sliced lemons, whole garlic cloves, or fresh herbs around the chicken during simmering for enhanced flavor.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook faster than bone-in cuts; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Baste the chicken with the sauce while simmering to increase moisture and flavor intensity.

Keywords: Lemon Basil Chicken, easy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken, lemon chicken recipe, basil chicken, quick dinner

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/lemon-basil-chicken-recipe/