Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and zesty skillet chicken dish infused with fresh lemon and basil, inspired by playful and creative web interactions. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh lemon juice 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and add 1 tsp lemon zest. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves on top and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken garnished with extra basil if desired, spooning the lemony sauce over each piece.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet?

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 Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet 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 Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet?

Mediterranean 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.

Related recipes