Lemon Chicken with Basil
Bright, zesty, and herbaceous, this Lemon Chicken with Basil is a one-skillet recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Juicy chicken breasts are lightly dredged in flour and seared to golden perfection before being simmered in a luscious sauce made with fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and a touch of heavy cream. The addition of garlic and freshly chopped basil infuses the dish with layers of savory and aromatic flavor, creating a refreshingly vibrant meal. Finished with a garnish of basil leaves, this simple yet sophisticated dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a crisp side salad. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe brings classic flavors together with ease, making it your new go-to for quick and delicious dinners.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 6 pieces additional basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if thick, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Lightly dredge the chicken breasts in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Plate the chicken and spoon additional sauce over the top. Garnish with whole basil leaves and serve immediately. Pair with rice, pasta, or a side salad as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2084 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.8 g | 125% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.4 g | 187% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 714 mg | 238% | |
| Sodium | 3460 mg | 150% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 227.7 g | 455% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 203 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 2299 mg | 49% | |
*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.
