Name: Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon); 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon); 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness); Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated and cooked in a bright, zesty lemon and fresh basil sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, this dish delivers a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for a quick and healthy dinner in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped basil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken in the heated skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices for tender meat. Garnish with additional fresh basil or lemon slices if desired, then serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if time permits.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, after cooking the chicken, you can simmer the leftover marinade in the skillet for a few minutes to reduce it.
Honey is optional and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of lemon.
Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if needed (use about 1 tsp dried).
Chicken breasts can be butterflied or pounded to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.