This Lemon Basil Chicken comes together in no time and is made using only ONE pan! Healthy, flavorful, and budget friendly… perfect for mealtime!
Don’t you just love one pan meals? Cleaning up is a breeze and the dinner itself comes together in no time! This Lemon Basil Chicken is just that and a new family favorite!
Last week, I was trying to come up with something for dinner. I had taken some chicken out of the freezer, so at least I was headed in the right direction. After going through my refrigerator and pantry, I realized I had some basil to use up from when I had made my Tomato Basil Chicken earlier in the week (another great recipe).
Since I also wanted to add a veggie in, I chose to go the spinach route and this dish was created in no time! If you want to add in some more veggies, feel free to make this your own!
The best part about this dish was I was able to use some fresh lemons from my backyard. My hubby and I purchased a Lemon patio tree this past summer and although small, it produced enough lemons for me to use in this! Quite exciting as I have a terrible experience typically keeping plants alive, ha-ha! Using fresh lemons to make your lemon chicken will provide the best results!
This scrumptious chicken recipe holds tons of delicious flavors in its simple marinade. If you want to make it a complete meal, see the side dish ideas below! There are plenty of easy recipes to whip up something quick for those busy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients Needed
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Baby spinach *fresh is best
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh basil leaves (not dried)
- Kosher salt
*For exact measurements see the recipe card below
Lemon Basil Chicken Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add in the onion and allow to sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic clove and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add in the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cooked chicken is slightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper to season chicken and cook for about 2 minutes to get the perfect texture and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!
Storing Leftover Lemon Basil Chicken
Store in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. If stored properly, your lemon basil chicken will last up to three to four days.
Lemon Basil Chicken Variation
Next time if you want to make this more of a creamy lemon basil chicken, you can add some skim milk and a little butter to create a creamy lemon basil sauce.
Side Dishes to Pair with Lemon Basil Chicken
I served this with my Garlic Parmesan Crescent Rolls and some fresh pineapple I had on hand. You can choose which sides you prefer to serve with this though! Here are a few more side dish ideas!
- Simple garden salad
- Sautéed veggies of your choice (like fresh asparagus)
- Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Fresh green beans
Other Chicken Based Recipes
The following are easy dinners the whole family will love-especially if you love great chicken recipes!
I hope you love this easy lemon basil chicken recipe! Let me know what you think in the comments below! Don't forget to tag me over on Instagram if you've made this recipe (or any of the others) so I can see what you've cooked up! You can also use #thecookinchicks too!
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Lemon Basil Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lbs chicken breast *boneless/skinless, diced
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups baby spinach *fresh is best
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups Basil leaves *fresh, not dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Add in the onion and allow to saute for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add in the chicken and cook about 5 minutes, until slightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and cook about 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach in slowly and allow to cook down, about 3 minutes.
- Lastly, add in the Basil and stir until slightly wilted.
- Season dish with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Catalina says
I cooked this for dinner and it came out so bright and fresh. The lemon and basil were perfect together!
Kristin Hayes says
Soooo delicious! Glad you enjoyed!
Shannah says
This made such a great weeknight meal for the family. It had loads of flavor!
Kristin Hayes says
So glad you enjoyed!!
Amy says
The lemon and basil bring a brightness that’s perfect for warmer days. Love how easy it was to prep. Definitely one to bookmark for busy weeknights!
Kristin Hayes says
Glad you enjoyed! Such a simple, yet flavorful meal!
Maria says
So, so good! I served this with pasta and a big hunk of garlic bread for everyone, and we loved it.
Kristin Hayes says
Can’t beat pasta, chicken, and garlic bread. Glad you enjoyed!!
Beth says
Yummy. I kept it simple and served it over pasta. We really liked it. I loved how easy it was!
Kristin Hayes says
So glad you enjoyed!!
Mindy says
when do you add the lemon juice and zest?
Kristin says
Whoops, good catch! I have updated the recipe to include that!