The One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe delivers effortless elegance: juicy chicken breasts seared to a golden crust, bathed in a luscious lemon-basil cream sauce that’s bright, savory, and just a little bit indulgent. All you need is half an hour and a handful of fresh ingredients to create a main course that’s both weeknight-friendly and dinner party worthy. This is the kind of dish that makes you look forward to dinnertime—every bite is vibrant with citrus, fresh basil, and the comforting richness of Parmesan. If you’re craving something light, zesty and memorably satisfying, keep reading—this flavor-packed recipe is a true keeper.

One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few everyday staples and a couple of bright, fresh notes, the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe comes together effortlessly. Each ingredient really counts here, making every bite sing with flavor, texture, and aroma—so don’t skimp on quality, especially with the lemon and basil!

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded evenly so they cook up juicy and stay tender all the way through.
All-purpose flour: A quick dusting helps create that lovely golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—use sea salt or kosher for best results.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle heat to every bite.
Olive oil: For a fragrant sear and Mediterranean flavor to anchor the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a sweet, aromatic undertone that pairs perfectly with citrus and herbs.
Chicken broth: Builds savory depth into the sauce, balancing the brisk lemon beautifully.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a must; it brings bright acidity and lively flavor.
Lemon zest: Adds a punch of aromatic citrus oil—don’t skip it!
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, rich base for your sauce; you can sub with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth and helps the sauce cling to every bite of chicken.
Fresh basil: Chopped at the last minute for the most vibrant herbal finish.
Lemon slices and basil leaves (optional): For irresistible color and a little extra wow-factor as garnish.

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they’re an even 1/2-inch thick—this helps guarantee quick, even cooking. Season the chicken all over with salt and black pepper. Next, dredge each breast lightly in flour, shaking off any excess so the coating is just barely there—this simple step gives your chicken that lovely seared finish and helps the sauce hug each piece.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, add your chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed for a nice golden crust). Sear 4 to 5 minutes per side until the edges turn beautifully browned and the centers are just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside; don’t worry if it’s not piping hot—it’ll finish in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Toss the minced garlic into the same pan—you want just 30 seconds for that dreamy, fragrant sizzle, so it doesn’t brown too much. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any golden bits on the bottom (they bring tons of savory flavor). Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly and bubble with promise.

Step 4: Creamy, Lemony Finish

Lower the heat if needed and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and just a bit thickened—the aroma of lemon and garlic at this point is irresistible! Add in your chopped basil, reserving a bit for garnish. Give the sauce a taste—adjust the lemon or salt as you like for your perfect balance.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken (and any resting juices) to the pan, nestling the breasts into that silky sauce. Spoon a little extra sauce over each piece and let everything bubble gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through and infused with zesty, herby flavor. For a visually stunning finish and a punch of freshness, top with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving.

How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! Bright lemon slices add a sunny pop, and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves amplifies the color and the irresistible aroma. For a little extra sparkle, you could also add a dusting of grated Parmesan straight from the block—simple and stunning.

Side Dishes

The One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is pure magic with a side of fluffy jasmine rice, buttery pasta, or hunks of crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce. For brightness and crunch, try a quick green salad or simply roasted spring vegetables—think asparagus, snap peas, or shaved fennel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of risotto or garlicky orzo, then drizzle generously with the lemon-basil sauce. Serving family style? Pile into a wide platter, scatter over extra basil and lemon, and let everyone dig in. For meal prepping, tuck each portion into containers alongside sautéed greens or cauliflower rice for a fresh lunch that’ll make your coworkers jealous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe, you’re in luck—these leftovers reheat beautifully! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but a quick stir when reheating will bring it back to its original creaminess.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for best results, do so before adding the basil and garnish. Place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and add fresh basil just before serving for that garden-bright flavor.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can separate the sauce; lower settings and a covered dish work best if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and are wonderfully forgiving. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure they’re cooked through—boneless, skinless thighs work best for a quick and easy one-pan meal.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the chicken, and make sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free if needed. The rest of the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you’re out of cream, try using half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or a splash of full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The sauce will still be plenty creamy and luscious, just with a subtle difference in flavor.

Can I prep this ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! You can sear the chicken and make the sauce a few hours ahead—just wait to add the basil and garnishes until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness and color. Gently warm everything together right before plating, and your One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe will be party-perfect.

What herbs can I substitute for basil?

If basil isn’t available, try fresh parsley, tarragon, or a touch of thyme. Each brings its own personality, but basil’s fragrant, slightly sweet note is truly magical with lemon—still, don’t be afraid to personalize the recipe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with fresh, zesty flavor but doesn’t keep you hostage in the kitchen, the One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe may just become your new go-to. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort, brightness and ease, showing off how simple ingredients can make something genuinely special. Grab your skillet, and give this recipe a spot in your weeknight rotation—your friends and family will be clamoring for seconds!

One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a lemony cream sauce with fresh basil, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Lemon slices and fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pound the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Finish the dish: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the chopped basil and return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm through.
Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and more basil if desired. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and cream and finish the sauce with a splash of coconut milk or additional broth.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American