Lemon Cozy Basil Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken breasts simmered with lemon, basil, garlic, and cream for a vibrant, comforting dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Sauce
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
10 - 1 tbsp honey
11 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
12 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Optional Garnish
13 - Extra basil leaves
14 - Lemon slices
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey. Mix well and simmer for 2 minutes.
06 - Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
07 - Uncover, stir in the butter and fresh basil, and simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
08 - Serve the chicken with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with extra basil and lemon slices if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
- That bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness so you never feel weighed down
02 -
- If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little more broth rather than water to keep the flavor intact
- The butter at the end is not optional, it is what transforms a good sauce into a great one
03 -
- Room temperature chicken creates a better sear than cold straight from the fridge
- Zest your lemon before juicing it, or you will struggle to get the zest off a squeezed fruit