Lemon Pear Spice Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken paired with sweet pears, zesty lemon, and warming spices finished with fresh basil.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 pounds)

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Fruits

09 - 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced

→ Sauce & Finish

10 - 1 tablespoon honey
11 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
12 - 10 to 12 fresh basil leaves, torn
13 - Extra lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag; pour marinade over, ensuring even coating. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while preparing the chicken.
04 - Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed. Sear chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
05 - Remove chicken briefly. Add sliced pears to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until lightly caramelized.
06 - Return chicken to skillet. Drizzle honey over pears and chicken, then pour in chicken broth.
07 - Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and pears are tender.
08 - Remove from oven, scatter torn basil leaves over chicken and pears. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pears caramelize into sweet, tender bites that balance the bright lemon and warm spices perfectly.
  • It looks impressive but comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight cooking or unexpected guests.
  • The aroma alone, cinnamon and coriander mingling with fresh basil, fills the kitchen and makes everyone hungry before you even plate it.
02 -
  • Don't skip the sear, it builds flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful crust that plain roasting won't achieve.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet or you'll be scrambling to transfer everything mid-recipe, trust me on this one.
  • Let the chicken rest for a minute or two after roasting so the juices redistribute and every bite stays moist.
03 -
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
  • Taste the pan juices before serving and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if they need brightening.
  • Let the skillet rest on the stovetop for a minute after pulling it from the oven, the pears will finish cooking gently in the residual heat.

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