Lemon Basil Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon, basil, and aromatic spices for a vibrant dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 lbs)
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 - Zest and juice of 2 lemons
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
10 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ For Serving
12 - Lemon wedges
13 - Fresh basil leaves
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice, chopped basil, minced garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F or heat grill/grill pan over medium-high heat.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
05 - For oven: Arrange chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet; bake 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. For grill/grill pan: Cook 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
06 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve garnished with lemon wedges and fresh basil.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chicken stays juicy and tender while the marinade infuses every bite with citrus and herb brightness.
- It's adaptable to your mood—oven method for a quiet weeknight, grill method when you want that charred flavor.
- You only need 15 minutes of prep and the spices work together in a way that tastes like you spent hours thinking about it.
02 -
- Don't skip the resting time at the end; those 5 minutes make the difference between juicy chicken and slightly dry chicken.
- If your marinade looks separated or thin, that's fine—the acid and oil will do their work regardless, and the flavors will still carry through.
03 -
- If you're short on time, even 15 minutes of marinating makes a noticeable difference; longer is better, but don't skip the step entirely.
- Save any extra marinade before cooking and drizzle it over the finished chicken as a fresh sauce—it adds brightness and looks intentional on the plate.