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Buttery Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

This Buttery Lemon Basil Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich lemon-butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. The sauce is thickened with a touch of flour and brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 ½ pound chicken breast
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts using a mallet to an even thickness and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Brown the chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Thicken the sauce: Whisk in the all-purpose flour until fully incorporated to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and fresh lemon juice while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
  5. Add flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest to impart a bright citrus aroma into the sauce.
  6. Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the chicken and sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken stock to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with other herbs like parsley or thyme if preferred.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/buttery-lemon-basil-chicken-recipe/