Heart-Healthy Basil Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this flavor-packed Heart-Healthy Basil Chicken recipe, a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a zesty blend of lemon juice, fresh basil, and low-sodium chicken broth for a light, aromatic sauce. Sweet cherry tomatoes add bursts of natural sweetness, while garlic and olive oil provide a wholesome depth of flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this low-sodium, high-protein recipe is a heart-smart choice that pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or a hearty grain like quinoa. With its simple cooking techniques and fresh ingredients, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without compromising on health.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 large lemon
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by preparing your ingredients. Mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Zest the lemon to get about 1 tablespoon of zest, and then juice the lemon. Set aside.
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and flatten them slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue to cook for about 3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
Chiffonade the basil leaves (stack, roll, and slice them thinly) and sprinkle them over the chicken.
Serve the basil chicken hot, spooning the sauce and tomatoes over the top. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a whole grain like quinoa for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1485 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.4 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 1782 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.8 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 221.8 g | 444% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 2515 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
