Basil-Infused Herb Chicken with Lemon
Juicy chicken breasts baked with fresh garden basil and lemon, ideal for a weeknight dinner using herbs from your garden center. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 43 minutes pairs large chicken breasts, finely chopped fresh basil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat 4 large chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 2: Zest 1 lemon, then thinly slice it. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil with 3 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, and 1/2 of the lemon slices.
- Step 3: Spread the herb mixture evenly over chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere. Place chicken on a greased baking sheet and top with remaining lemon slices. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are golden brown.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil-Infused Herb Chicken with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Basil-Infused Herb Chicken with Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil-Infused Herb Chicken with Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Basil-Infused Herb Chicken with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Basil-Infused Herb Chicken with Lemon?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
