Lemon Chicken Basil
The ultimate comfort food meets vibrant flavors in this Lemon Chicken Basil. Tender, marinated chicken harmonizes with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, creating a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare, it promises to be a family favorite. Make it tonight!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts (2 chicken breasts)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 cup basil loosely packed, minced or 1 TBS dried
- 3 garlic cloves minced or ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder EACH
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley EACH
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper EACH
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano EACH
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard EACH
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes EACH
Instructions
- Start by placing your chicken inside a freezer bag. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it's thin and even. This technique helps the meat cook evenly and absorb the marinade better. If you don't have a meat mallet, don't worry; you can easily use the side of a can to achieve the same effect.
- In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced basil, minced garlic, and your spices. Pour this mixture over the flattened chicken in the bag. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it's well coated.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 12 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. If time permits, flip the bag over occasionally to ensure even marination.
- When you're ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned on one side. If you prefer a bit of char, feel free to let it get a bit blackened.
- Flip the chicken over, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of your chicken. You want it to be cooked through, so an inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- If you prefer to grill it, grease and preheat your grill to medium heat at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grill the chicken undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until done, checking for the same internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Slice the chicken and serve it warm. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways: toss it into a salad, layer it in a wrap, or serve it over pasta.
- Finally, don’t forget to enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!
Notes
Storing leftovers in an airtight container allows you to keep your chicken fresh for up to 3 days. If you have more than you can consume, consider freezing the marinated chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist. And remember, this dish can be baked in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes!