Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet

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

Simmered in a bright vodka, lemon, and fresh basil sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, dry vodka 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 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin 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 skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, about 165°F internal temperature. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Carefully pour in 1/4 cup dry vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the vodka simmer and reduce for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth, then simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken, then cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Infused 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 Vodka-Infused 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused 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 Vodka-Infused 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 Vodka-Infused Lemon Basil Chicken Skillet?

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.

Related recipes