True Basil Chicken

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

A vibrant Italian-inspired dish where chicken breast is seared with fresh basil and garlic, capturing the essence of authentic home cooking. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Season 400g chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place in skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: Add 15g minced garlic and 20g chopped fresh basil to skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and basil wilts.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze 10g lemon juice over chicken and cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors, then remove from heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does True Basil Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 True Basil Chicken?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True Basil Chicken?

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 True Basil Chicken 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 True Basil Chicken?

Italian 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.

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