Lemon Basil Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the aromatic essence of basil. This dish features tender and juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon-infused sauce, enhanced by the fragrant and herbaceous notes of basil. The combination of citrus and herbs creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile that is both light and satisfying. The chicken is perfectly cooked to maintain its tenderness, while the lemon and basil infuse every bite with a burst of deliciousness. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, Lemon Basil Chicken is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a delicious weeknight meal, Lemon Basil Chicken is a go-to option that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients for Lemon Basil Chicken
⦁ – 6 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
⦁ – 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
⦁ – ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
⦁ – 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
⦁ – ¼ teaspoon salt
⦁ – 2 tablespoons Mazola Corn Oil
⦁ – ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Steps to make Lemon Basil Chicken
Step 1
To begin, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a tender texture. After pounding, pat the chicken dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag, ready for marinating.
Step 2
In a blender or food processor, combine the freshly grated lemon peel, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, Mazola Corn Oil, and basil leaves. Blend or pulse the mixture for approximately 30 seconds or until all the ingredients are well blended. This vibrant marinade brings together the tangy and citrusy flavors of lemon, the aromatic notes of basil, and the savory element of garlic.
Step 3
Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken in the plastic bag, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are well coated. Seal the bag tightly and carefully turn it to thoroughly coat the chicken with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes, although marinating overnight will intensify the flavors and tenderize the meat even further.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or around 400 degrees F. This ensures proper cooking and achieves those beautiful grill marks on the chicken. Preheating the grill allows it to reach the optimal temperature, which helps cook the chicken evenly and adds a delightful charred flavor to the dish. Once the grill is preheated, you are ready to move on to the next step and cook the marinated chicken.
Grill the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a serving plate. If desired, garnish the chicken with additional basil leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
⦁ – Calories: 200 Cal
⦁ – Carbohydrates: 26g
⦁ – Protein: 2g
⦁ – Fat: 11g
⦁ – Saturated Fat: 6g
⦁ – Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
⦁ – Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
⦁ – Trans Fat: 1g
⦁ – Cholesterol: 38mg
⦁ – Sodium: 143mg
⦁ – Potassium: 160mg
⦁ – Fiber: 1g
⦁ – Sugar: 18g
⦁ – Vitamin A: 305IU
⦁ – Vitamin C: 2mg
⦁ – Calcium: 56mg
⦁ – Iron: 1mg
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Steps to avoid while preparing Lemon Basil Chicken
1. Avoid over-pounding the chicken breasts. While it’s important to pound them lightly to achieve an even thickness, be careful not to overdo it. Excessive pounding can result in overly thin and dry chicken.
2. Avoid skipping the step of patting the chicken dry. Removing excess moisture ensures better browning and searing when cooking the chicken, leading to a more flavorful and appetizing result.
3. Do not skip marinating the chicken or shorten the marinating time significantly. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it. Skipping or rushing this step can result in less flavorful and tougher chicken.
4. Avoid grilling the chicken over excessively high heat. While it’s important to preheat the grill to medium-high, ensure that it doesn’t get too hot. Very high heat can cause the chicken to burn on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
5. Do not discard the marinade and then reuse it for basting or sauce. Once the marinade has come into contact with raw chicken, it can harbor harmful bacteria. Discard any leftover marinade and use fresh ingredients for basting or sauce.
6. Avoid overcooking the chicken. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so aim for a tender and juicy result by cooking it just until it’s cooked through.
7. Do not forget to let the cooked chicken rest before serving. Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful final dish.
By following these tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your Lemon Basil Chicken turns out perfectly cooked, flavorful, and enjoyable for everyone.
FAQ
1. How do I make Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: Lemon Basil Chicken is made by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mixture of freshly grated lemon peel, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and Mazola Corn Oil. The chicken is then cooked until tender and flavorful, and fresh basil leaves are added for an aromatic touch.
2. What can I serve with Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: Lemon Basil Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or pasta for a complete meal.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Lemon Basil Chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
4. Can I grill Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: Yes, Lemon Basil Chicken can be grilled for a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I make Lemon Basil Chicken ahead of time?
– Answer: Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to develop even more. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best texture and taste.
6. Is Lemon Basil Chicken suitable for meal prep?
– Answer: Absolutely! Lemon Basil Chicken is a great option for meal prepping. Cook the chicken breasts and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated throughout the week for quick and easy meals.
7. What other herbs can I use instead of basil in Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: If you’re not a fan of basil or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or even mint. Experiment with different herbs to find your preferred flavor combination.
8. Can I freeze Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: It’s not recommended to freeze Lemon Basil Chicken once it’s cooked, as the texture of the chicken may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the uncooked marinated chicken for future use. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
9. How long should I marinate the chicken for Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For even more flavor, marinate it for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
10. Can I make a vegetarian version of Lemon Basil Chicken?
– Answer: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Lemon Basil Chicken by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the lemon and basil mixture, then cook or grill it until heated through.