If you’re craving a meal that is as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to prepare, look no further than this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender chicken breasts with an irresistible tang of fresh lemon and the aromatic charm of basil, all cooked in one skillet to keep things easy and flavorful. This dish strikes the perfect balance between a bright, herby freshness and comforting richness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll love how the sauce clings to every bite, making it a standout weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a great One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s elevating the flavor, adding a perfect texture, or giving the dish a pop of color that makes your plate come alive.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken for lovely browning and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Zest and juice from 1/2 lemon, plus extra slices for serving: Adds the bright, tangy punch that lifts and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Provides an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Complements the herbs and adds a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick that keeps things interesting.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise: Ensures even cooking and tender, juicy chicken every time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in flavor and moisture.
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter: Introduces a rich, silky depth to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings delightful aroma and savory notes.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps build a luscious pan sauce.
- 5 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced: Offers fresh herbal brightness and a beautiful green garnish.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by combining the flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large dish. This mixture not only flavors the chicken but helps develop a lightly crispy coating when cooked. Dredge each chicken breast half in the mixture, coating them evenly, then shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping. This step is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust that makes this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken breasts carefully, giving them space to brown nicely without overcrowding. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Don’t rush this step—those brown bits are flavor gold! Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, letting it gently soften and release its aroma without burning. Next, stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift those browned bits left by the chicken. This is where the sauce gets all its rich, tangy, and savory goodness. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the luscious lemon basil sauce. Warm through for about a minute, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully. Finally, sprinkle the freshly sliced basil leaves over the top and add some extra lemon slices for a stunning finish that brightens every bite and makes the dish look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves and thin lemon slices bring not only a pop of color but also a refreshing aroma and tang to the dish. Sprinkle a little extra cracked black pepper if you love a touch of heat, or add a drizzle of good quality olive oil to enhance the silkiness of the sauce. These small touches make this dish feel restaurant-worthy right at your own table.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the flavorful sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even crusty warm bread. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. These complementary sides let the chicken shine while rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, plate the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic. Use a spoon to drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate, and finish with a sprig of basil or a small wedge of lemon on the side. It’s a simple way to impress your guests and elevate this quick and easy One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe to something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will soak up even more of the sauce’s flavor as it rests, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating to keep everything fresh and tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it a great candidate for batch cooking. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, ideally separating the lemon slices to add fresh after reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and keep the sauce from separating. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring the sauce and checking the temperature to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth can revive the sauce’s creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which means extra juicy and flavorful meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is fresh basil necessary or can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil really makes a difference here because it adds bright, herbal notes and a lovely texture. Dried basil won’t give the same fresh burst, but if that’s all you have, add it earlier in the cooking process so its flavor infuses into the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil. The sauce will still taste rich and flavorful, just a little lighter.
What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are classics because they soak up the lemony butter sauce so well. Roasted or steamed vegetables add a fresh, healthy contrast that balances the meal beautifully.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden brown and register 165°F internally on a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear and the meat is opaque with no pink.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe truly ticks all the boxes for an effortless, flavorful meal that feels far fancier than the time invested. It’s a dish that invites smiles and second helpings, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without stress. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try—once you do, it will likely become one of your go-to favorites to savor and share.
Print
One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful lemon-herb flour mixture, pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce infused with fresh basil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Zest and juice from 1/2 lemon, divided
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 5 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Extra lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large dish, combine the flour, lemon zest, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Evenly coat each chicken breast half in this flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 10 minutes total, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Melt the butter and gently sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and warm through in the sauce for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly sliced basil leaves and extra lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before coating with flour.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness before slicing lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
