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This lemon chicken recipe is full of lemon, garlic, and basil flavors. Crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, this may be your new favorite quick and easy chicken dinner recipe.

This lemon chicken recipe is made using a marinade of freshly squeezed lemon, lots of garlic, and a combination of fresh and dried basil. The marinaded chicken is skillet cooked on the stovetop and is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Marinating ahead of time infuses the chicken with lots of flavors. Using thinly sliced chicken makes cooking this recipe quick and easy.

How long to marinate the chicken?

The longer these flavors marinate the more flavor you will have. Let them marinate overnight or for up to a couple of days in the refrigerator. If you are in a pinch, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will work.

I don’t leave the chicken marinating in the refrigerator for more than two days.

Can you freeze the marinated chicken?

You can freeze the prepared chicken ONLY IF you didn’t use previously frozen chicken. To freeze for a make-ahead: prepare the marinade, add the raw chicken to the marinade, and seal it in containers that can be kept frozen for a few months. This will work especially if you like to make large batches to prepackage for easy weeknight meals.

What other types of chicken can you use in this lemon chicken recipe?

In this recipe, I used thinly sliced chicken breasts. Thinly slicing the chicken breasts is optional, a regular boneless skinless chicken breast will do. Chicken thighs will work and are very flavorful in this recipe.

Whichever cut of chicken you choose to use, make sure to cook each piece thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to test and make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F.

Can you bake the lemon chicken?

Yes, you can place the marinated chicken in an oven-safe dish and bake it at 350 degrees F. for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

What can you serve with lemon chicken?

This recipe would pair perfectly with honey lemon basil cole slaw that mimics the same flavors, roasted garlic mashed potatoes would go perfectly as well. Serve with any salad, pasta, potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.

Don’t forget chocolate chip cookies for dessert 🙂

Can you package up and store leftovers?

Yes, simply package cooked and cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for a few days or store them in the freezer for up to a few months.

Garlic & Basil Lemon Chicken

Print Recipe

A quick and easy lemon chicken recipe with a dash of fresh garlic and basil.

Prep Time:1

Cook Time:20

Ingredients

2 Large chicken breasts sliced thin lengthwise
1/2 cup olive oil for marinade
1/4 cup chopped basil
1 tsp dried basil
5 cloves pressed fresh garlic cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 whole lemon 1 tsp zest / fresh squeezed juice
2 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken

Instructions

Marinade Ingredients

Add all of the ingredients into a container with a sealable lid and mix well.
Add the chicken to the marinade and coat well.
Seal the container and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.

To Cook the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator prior to cooking, pat it dry and let it sit out to bring the chicken to room temperature.
Once the chicken is at room temperature and is ready to cook place a skillet on the stovetop, add about 2 tbsp olive oil and turn to medium heat.
Once the oil is hot add the chicken to the pan being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes and then flip with tongs or a spatula and cook the other side.
If the pan seems to get too hot, reduce the heat to medium/low.
The chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F. or if you pierce the chicken and the juice runs clear.
When the chicken is done remove from the pan, cover, and let sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the chicken.
Top with extra fresh chopped basil, serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!