One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe because it’s a perfect mix of bright citrus, fragrant herbs, and tender juicy chicken all cooked in one skillet. It’s one of those dishes that feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together to create such vibrant flavors without a mess of dishes to clean up afterward.

You’ll find that this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe works well for busy evenings when you want a wholesome meal but don’t have much time or energy to spend in the kitchen. The sauce is buttery but fresh with lemon and basil, making it truly special. I like to keep it in my regular rotation because it never disappoints and always feels like a special treat at the dinner table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples and fresh herbs that work beautifully together to create layered, fresh flavors. When shopping, look for fresh basil leaves and a good-quality chicken broth for best results.

• All-purpose flour: This helps create a light coating on the chicken, which crisps up nicely when cooked.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Use fresh lemons for the best brightness and acidity. The zest adds a lovely aromatic touch.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that balances the fresh lemon.
• Dried oregano: Brings a subtle Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
• Chicken breasts: I slice mine in half lengthwise to help them cook evenly and quickly.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin for its flavor and healthy fats.
• Butter: This creates a rich base for the sauce, helping meld all the flavors together.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must for that irresistible aromatic punch.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you want to control salt levels more easily.
• Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced, these add a wonderful herbal freshness just before serving.

Variations

I love that this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs. Feel free to switch things up—you can make it your own and keep dinner fun!

• Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in halved cherry tomatoes or sliced zucchini along with the chicken for a quick, one-pan meal that’s even heartier.
• Herb Swap: When fresh basil isn’t around, I’ve used fresh parsley or thyme with great results, keeping the fresh vibe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter to keep it dairy-free without losing richness.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives the dish a nice warmth that my family enjoys.

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by mixing your flour, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large dish. I like doing this in a shallow bowl to easily coat each chicken piece. Pat your chicken breasts dry and slice them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and quickly. Then, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but shake off the excess. This coating helps develop a golden crust and adds flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add your chicken pieces and cook them without moving them too much so a nice crust forms—usually about 4-5 minutes per side. You want a beautiful golden-brown color but avoid overcooking; chicken will finish cooking in the sauce. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Lemon Basil Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted—don’t rush this or the garlic might burn. Next, pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Warm everything together for about a minute—this brings all the flavors together beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh sliced basil on top and add extra lemon slices for garnish. Serve straight from the pan for a casual but beautiful presentation.

How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top the chicken with plenty of fresh basil and a few thin lemon slices — it just makes the dish look pretty and adds extra freshness with every bite. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end for an extra hit of flavor.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides include a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon, plus some roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes. You could also serve it with a scoop of rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the chicken family-style on a large platter garnished with whole basil sprigs and lemon wedges. It looks vibrant and inviting. For a cozier feel, plate individual servings and drizzle a little extra sauce around the edges for that restaurant-quality touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy and the sauce gets even more flavorful after sitting overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately if possible to preserve texture. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but be careful not to dry out the chicken by reheating in short intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple, fast, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavor that never gets old. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable yet impressive enough to wow dinner guests. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in making it as I do in eating it—let me know how you personalize your version!

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