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Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

Lemon Basil Chicken is a quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with fresh garlic, onions, spinach, and vibrant lemon and basil notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect healthy dinner served over brown rice that combines bright citrus with aromatic herbs and savory soy sauce.

Ingredients

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 5 cups loosely packed baby spinach (about 5 ounces)

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Serving Suggestion

  • Prepared brown rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil until hot but not smoking.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Allow the chicken to brown on all sides for about 3 minutes without stirring.
  4. Season and finish cooking the chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 3 more minutes.
  5. Add the spinach, lemon, and basil: Gradually stir in the baby spinach a few handfuls at a time, letting it wilt in the heat of the pan. Then stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 cups fresh basil leaves. Cook and stir just until the basil is wilted, about 1 minute.
  6. Season and serve: Taste the dish and add kosher salt and pepper as needed. Serve the lemon basil chicken warm, alongside prepared brown rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
  • For a spicier twist, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
  • Brown rice can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice for different textures.
  • Ensure the chicken is cut evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Fresh basil is key for the authentic flavor—avoid dried basil.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/lemon-basil-chicken-recipe/