If you’re searching for a bright, flavor-packed chicken dinner that practically cooks itself, the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe deserves the top spot in your weeknight meal rotation. Imagine juicy golden chicken, a silky pan sauce bursting with fresh lemon and herbaceous basil, all coming together in one skillet for minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. The aromas alone will have everyone hovering around the stove, and the zesty, vibrant flavors will keep them coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This list is pure simplicity, but each ingredient in the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe pulls its weight, adding irresistible depth and color. Gather these pantry and fridge favorites, and you’ll be well on your way to a dish that tastes like it came from a cozy bistro.
- Chicken Breasts: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts give you meaty succulence that soaks up all those vibrant flavors.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil create a beautiful golden sear and a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Salt: A teaspoon of salt seasons the chicken just right and brings all the ingredients into harmony.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon adds warm, subtle heat without overpowering the basil or lemon.
- Garlic Powder: One teaspoon provides lingering savoriness and pairs perfectly with citrus and herbs.
- Onion Powder: Another teaspoon lends mellow sweetness, building savory depth in every bite.
- Lemon: The juice and zest of one lemon add brightness and a sunny pop of acidity you’ll crave again and again.
- Chicken Broth: A third cup deglazes the pan and forms the backbone of that silky, lemon-basil sauce.
- Fresh Basil: A quarter cup, chopped, adds a burst of fresh, aromatic color and classic Italian flavor.
- Butter: Just one tablespoon swirled in at the end creates irresistible richness and a glossy finish.
- Lemon Slices (optional): For garnish, they look stunning and reinforce all those zesty notes.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start with your chicken breasts patted dry—this is key to getting that golden crust later. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This spice mix works in the background, letting the lemon and basil shine while ensuring every bite is savory and well-rounded.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they’re deeply golden and cooked through. This is how you get that mouthwatering crust and juicy, tender centers. Once done, set the chicken aside—but don’t clean the pan!
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Basil Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and zest. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from searing the chicken—this is flavor central! Let the sauce simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes, concentrating all those citrusy, savory flavors.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Drop in the tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle in the freshly chopped basil. The butter gives a luxurious feel, while the basil fills your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of summer. Stir everything together, letting the herbs and richness meld from the heat of the pan.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the lemony sauce. Spoon that gorgeous sauce over the top, making sure every piece gets a nice coating. Let it all simmer for about 2 more minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, tuck a few fresh lemon slices around the chicken just before serving. The result is an inviting, restaurant-worthy presentation that truly celebrates the fresh, lively notes in this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For the prettiest plate (and a lovely extra punch of citrus aroma), scatter a few thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of extra chopped basil over the finished dish. A grind of fresh black pepper added just before serving is a nice touch too—you eat with your eyes first, and these simple garnishes really make the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe stand out on the table.
Side Dishes
This zesty, saucy chicken is delightful over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or tender orzo pasta to catch all that magical lemon-basil sauce. For color and crunch, add a green salad or quickly sautéed green beans. Crusty bread for swiping up every last drop is highly encouraged!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a big platter of dressed greens for a gorgeous salad or grain bowl. Or tuck pieces into toasted rolls with a slather of the lemon-basil pan sauce for elegant sandwiches. However you serve it, the flavors are bold enough to shine in all sorts of creative presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully! Simply let it cool, cover, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Store the chicken together with any remaining sauce to keep everything moist and packed with flavor.
Freezing
If you like to meal prep, this recipe is a winner. Arrange the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For juicy, tender chicken, reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed. Alternatively, warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Don’t let it get too hot or the chicken may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe and will add a little extra richness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer depending on thickness.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use dried basil—just use about one teaspoon instead of a quarter cup. Add it to the sauce along with the lemon juice so the flavors can bloom. Fresh herbs do have that unbeatable aroma, so use them if you can!
Can I make the dish dairy-free?
For a completely dairy-free version of the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe, simply omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative. You’ll still get a silky sauce thanks to the broth and olive oil!
Is the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth if you’re especially sensitive, but otherwise everything in this dish is safe for gluten-free dining.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. The juices will also run clear and the chicken will have a firm, bouncy feel when pressed with your finger.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner with minimal mess or simply craving crave-worthy flavors that make any night feel special, give the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe a place at your table. It’s quick, foolproof, and utterly delicious—guaranteed to become one of those beloved dishes you’ll want to share with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!
