If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer, Baked Chicken Breast With Lemon and Basil is the perfect choice. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with the zesty freshness of lemon and the aromatic taste of basil, creating a balanced and savory meal. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe has become popular for its light, vibrant flavors that are healthy yet delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Why Do You Rub Lemon on Chicken Before Cooking?
Rubbing lemon on chicken is a simple yet effective way to tenderize the meat. The acidity of the lemon helps break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture. Additionally, the citrus adds a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken, enhancing its taste without overpowering it.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Optional: Sliced lemon for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 pound baby potatoes (for variation)
- Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (for variation)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a light, golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken get a good sear, ensuring it stays moist and tender while baking.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.
Related keyword: Lemon Basil Chicken Marinade
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. If you’re adding potatoes and tomatoes for a variation, arrange them around the chicken in the same dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the potatoes and tomatoes, and season them with salt and pepper.
Variation: Baked Chicken Breast With Lemon, Basil, and Potatoes You can bake baby potatoes with the chicken to create a complete meal. The potatoes soak up the lemony, garlicky juices, making them tender and flavorful.
Variation: Baked Chicken Breast With Lemon, Basil, and Tomato Adding cherry tomatoes to the dish adds a burst of sweetness, balancing the acidity of the lemon and the savoriness of the chicken.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the baked chicken breasts with additional fresh basil leaves and sliced lemon for a touch of color and added freshness. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a light, satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
How Do You Keep Chicken Breast Moist When Baking?
Baking chicken breast can sometimes result in dry, tough meat if not cooked properly. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken remains moist and tender:
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in an olive oil-based mixture (like the lemon and basil marinade) helps lock in moisture.
- Cover with Foil: If you find that your chicken tends to dry out, try covering the baking dish with foil during the first half of the baking process. This traps steam and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Do Not Overcook: Overcooking is the main culprit for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F) and avoid cutting into the chicken too early.
Why Put Lemon Inside Chicken?
While this recipe doesn’t call for stuffing a whole chicken with lemon, many chefs do this when roasting a whole bird to add moisture and infuse the meat with subtle citrusy flavors. The steam from the lemon permeates the chicken, keeping it tender and flavorful.
Additional Variations:
- Baked Chicken Breast With Lemon and Basil and Garlic: Increase the amount of garlic in the recipe to enhance the savory depth of flavor. You can also roast whole garlic cloves alongside the chicken for a more robust garlic profile.
- Creamy Lemon Basil Chicken: For a creamy version of this dish, remove the chicken from the baking dish once cooked, and stir in some heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the pan drippings. Simmer for a few minutes to create a luscious sauce that you can drizzle over the chicken.
- Lemon Basil Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. Thighs are naturally juicier and work well with this recipe, especially if you enjoy a richer, fattier cut of chicken.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
This nutritional breakdown is based on a serving size of one chicken breast without the optional potatoes or tomatoes.
Baked Chicken Breast With Lemon and Basil is an easy, flavorful dish that anyone can master. The refreshing taste of lemon paired with aromatic basil creates a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you keep it simple with just the chicken or add potatoes and tomatoes for a heartier meal, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.