One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is an absolute dream for busy weeknights and flavor seekers alike! Juicy chicken breasts are skillet-seared to golden perfection before being bathed in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce, all crowned with fresh basil. You’ll love how every bite delivers sunshine-bright citrus, savory herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness—plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single pan!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a vital part in creating that magical blend of tangy, buttery, and aromatic flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why every component matters:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a light coating that crisps up deliciously in the skillet and helps the luscious sauce cling to every bite.
• Lemon zest & juice: The zest adds a floral brightness, while the juice brings fresh tang—use both for depth and that irresistible citrus pop.
• Dried thyme & dried oregano: These herbs provide a backbone of woodsy, Mediterranean flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.
• Salt & ground black pepper: Don’t underestimate simple seasoning; it makes all the other flavors sing.
• Chicken breasts: Slicing them in half ensures quicker, even cooking and leaves you with juicy, tender results.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle, silky richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Butter: Creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that ties together every element of this dish.
• Garlic: A generous amount infuses the sauce with savory warmth and irresistible aroma.
• Chicken broth: Lifts all those browned bits from the pan (hello, extra flavor!) and brings body to the sauce.
• Fresh basil: Thinly sliced and sprinkled on top for a final burst of color and aromatic freshness.
• Extra lemon slices: For serving, these add a touch of beauty and an extra squeeze of brightness if you want it.

Variations

One of the best parts about the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is how endlessly customizable it is. Don’t hesitate to swap, add, or tailor ingredients to fit your tastebuds, what’s in your fridge, or any dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

• Swap the protein: Try boneless chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even a firm fish like cod for a different flavor and texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the chicken.
• Pump up the veggies: Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus tips, or artichoke hearts during the final simmer.
• Add a creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamier, luscious sauce.

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Dredge the Chicken

Start by mixing the flour, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in this fragrant blend, making sure every nook and cranny is coated (shake off any excess). This layer works triple duty: crisping up the chicken, seasoning it perfectly, and creating a base for the silky sauce to cling to later.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the flour-coated chicken pieces, laying them flat so they don’t touch. Let them sizzle undisturbed until deeply golden on the first side—about 5 minutes—then flip and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes. Once browned and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter and garlic to the same skillet. Let the garlic sizzle gently as the butter melts, stirring often to prevent burning. Once aromatic, pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up the golden bits stuck to the pan—these are pure flavor! Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Return your chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the shimmering sauce. Let your One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe warm through for another minute or so while you toss everything gently to coat. Just before serving, sprinkle with plenty of fresh basil and lay a few extra lemon slices on top. The colors and aroma will have everyone running to the table!

How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A generous handful of fresh basil ribbons not only looks stunning but adds a final whoosh of herby aroma right at the table. A few lemon slices, whether fresh or lightly charred in the skillet, bring color and offer extra zing for citrus lovers. For a pop of texture and a restaurant-worthy touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or a grind of fresh black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This is the kind of main that plays well with almost anything! Try it over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, al dente orzo, or your favorite pasta—the sauce is made for soaking up. For a lighter meal, pair your One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe with tender-crisp green beans, a big leafy salad, or some roasted asparagus on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Go for a family-style approach with the whole skillet brought straight to the table—a real showstopper! For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken crosswise and fan the slices atop a bed of grains, then drizzle with extra sauce and shower with basil. Or serve individually plated with a wedge of lemon perched on the side and a bright salad for color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store the chicken nestled in its sauce to keep everything juicy and flavorful.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly—simply cool the chicken and sauce to room temperature, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the tender texture and zesty sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. A quick zap in the microwave also works—just cover loosely and watch closely to keep the chicken moist and succulent.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meal that brings big, bright flavor to the table with barely any fuss, this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that will quickly become a treasured favorite, perfect for busy nights or for impressing friends around your table. Give it a go—I can’t wait for you to taste that first lemony, herby bite!

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