Bright, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor, Lemon Basil Chicken is the kind of dish that makes any weeknight feel just a little more special. Imagine juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemon cream sauce, dotted with ribbons of fragrant basil and a shower of Parmesan. Every bite is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony, with tangy citrus and herbaceous notes making this meal both comforting and elegant. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick enough for busy evenings but impressive enough for guests, Lemon Basil Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to.

Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Basil Chicken lies in its short, straightforward ingredient list. Each element brings something essential, whether it’s bold flavor, creamy texture, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each one to make the most out of every bite.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for a quick-cooking, lean protein that soaks up all the sauce flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that irresistible golden sear on the chicken.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of both the chicken and the sauce.
Black pepper: Lends just the right amount of warmth and complexity without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder: Provides a gentle, mellow garlic flavor that complements the basil and lemon beautifully.
Lemon zest: The zest is where the brightest citrus oils live, giving the sauce a sunny, aromatic lift.
Lemon juice: Adds zippy acidity that cuts through the cream for a balanced, fresh finish.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the backbone of the savory sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture that binds all the flavors together.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty depth that pairs perfectly with basil.
Fresh basil leaves: Chopped just before serving, basil infuses the dish with herbal brightness and color.
Optional lemon slices and extra basil: For garnish, these make the finished plate look as vibrant as it tastes.

How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning ensures every bite of Lemon Basil Chicken is full of flavor, and it creates a tasty crust when you sear the chicken later. Don’t be shy — a well-seasoned chicken makes all the difference!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, letting the surface turn a lovely golden brown while the inside cooks through. This step locks in juices and sets the stage for that creamy sauce to cling to every piece.

Step 3: Build the Lemon-Infused Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same pan, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom — these are flavor gold! Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens ever so slightly.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Finish with Basil

Gently return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that dreamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil will wilt and release its aroma, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, garnish the Lemon Basil Chicken with extra basil leaves and a few thin lemon slices for a burst of color and freshness. The final result is a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious — perfect for impressing family or guests!

How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil and a few thin slices of lemon make Lemon Basil Chicken look restaurant-worthy. The basil brightens up the plate, while the lemon slices add a visual nod to the flavors inside. If you want a little extra flair, try a light dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken is delicious served over a bed of pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. The luscious sauce begs to be sopped up with something — think crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, pair with a simple green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette to echo the bright flavors in the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the Lemon Basil Chicken and arrange it over a platter of grilled vegetables or a bed of baby spinach. You can also spoon the creamy sauce onto open-faced sandwiches or serve the chicken sliced atop crostini for an appetizer-style presentation. Each approach highlights the dish’s beautiful colors and makes it easy to share at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store any remaining Lemon Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can separate slightly after freezing, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to two months. Just let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Gently warm until heated through, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the creamy texture and keeps the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Lemon Basil Chicken. They’re juicy and flavorful, though you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still delicious. You might also try coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The result will still be creamy and packed with flavor, just with a different twist.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer — the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Definitely! Add sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or baby spinach to the skillet when you add the broth. They’ll soak up the sauce and add even more color and nutrition to your Lemon Basil Chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vibrant, soul-satisfying dinner to add to your regular rotation, give Lemon Basil Chicken a try. It’s quick, full of zesty flavor, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings a little bit of sunshine to the table every time. Enjoy!

Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Lemon Basil Chicken is a vibrant and creamy skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon and Parmesan cream sauce, infused with fresh basil. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Optional Garnish

Lemon slices
Extra basil leaves

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to release flavor. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, coating it thoroughly. Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add Fresh Basil and Garnish: Just before serving, stir the chopped fresh basil into the sauce for a bright herbal note. Garnish the dish with lemon slices and extra basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.