One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting home cooking. There’s something so satisfying about getting a full dinner on the table using just one pan — less fuss, fewer dishes, and a sauce that’s packed with bright lemon and aromatic basil. I’ve found it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want something fresh yet fuss-free.

When I first tried this recipe, I was drawn to how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The lemony tang pairs beautifully with the herby basil, and the garlic butter sauce just elevates everything. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you’ll find that this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe hits that perfect balance between easy and impressive every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe works together to create a balance of flavor and texture — from the crispy flour-coated chicken to the silky, garlic-infused lemon sauce. Shopping for fresh basil and a good lemon makes a noticeable difference in freshness and taste.

• All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken that crisps up beautifully in the pan.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Adds zesty brightness that wakes up the dish—fresh is best here.
• Dried thyme: Introduces subtle earthiness that complements the lemon.
• Dried oregano: Brings a slightly herbal, savory note; pairs well with basil later.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Olive oil: For browning the chicken to a golden crisp.
• Butter: Turns the sauce rich and silky, especially when melted with garlic.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of aroma and flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create a silky pan sauce.
• Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced and added last to preserve their fresh, sweet aroma.

Variations

I always encourage you to make this One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe your own! Sometimes I swap out herbs or tweak the sauce depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood that day. Don’t hesitate to get creative.

• Herb swaps: If you don’t have dried thyme or oregano, fresh rosemary or tarragon can be a nice twist.
• Dairy-free version: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth for a dairy-free twist.
• Extra veggies: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes or spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by mixing the flour, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large shallow dish. This combo gives the chicken that irresistible herbed crust. Dredge each chicken breast half in the mixture, shaking off the excess, so they cook evenly and crisp up perfectly without burning.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and cooked through. You want a golden crust without drying the chicken out, so keep an eye on the heat. Once done, transfer them to a plate to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Lemony Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in the butter and minced garlic. Let the butter melt gently and the garlic become fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where all the magic happens.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over it. Let everything warm through together for about 60 seconds — this keeps the chicken juicy and coats it in that delicious sauce. Before serving, sprinkle on the sliced fresh basil and add a few lemon slices for that extra pop of color and zing.

How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with extra fresh basil leaves and a few thin lemon slices on the side. Not only does this make the plate pretty, but the fresh herbs and lemon add an extra zing when eaten together with the chicken. Sometimes, I toss in a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of olive oil for a silky finish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus. I often serve it alongside a bed of fluffy couscous or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to round out the meal without overwhelming the fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken over a swirl of herb-infused risotto or lemon rice, topping each breast with a fresh basil leaf and edible flower petals. A rustic wooden board with lemon wedges, basil sprigs, and crusty bread on the side makes for a cozy, inviting spread that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find the chicken stays tender for up to 3 days. Make sure to pour some of the sauce over the chicken before storing to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. I’ve had great luck freezing the chicken with its sauce, which thaws nicely and reheats without losing much of its original texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you can, because reheating slowly helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe has really become a staple in my kitchen because it’s foolproof, flavorful, and fast. It feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a casual weeknight. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as my family does — it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something fresh, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

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