Lemon Basil Chicken
30-minute meals are my go-to during the week, especially during these warm summer months. This lemon basil chicken recipe hits the spot for something fresh, flavorful and quick, and is the perfect weeknight summer meal.
Chicken thighs get tossed in a zesty lemon basil marinade then grilled until browned. I served them over a bowl of rice with a simple tomato herb salad. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and pairs so well with fresh summer tomatoes.
You can serve this chicken over a salad, in a wrap or paired with your favorite grain. Grill it on a grill pan, skillet, or on your outdoor grill to save some dishes.
Here are a few side dishes that would pair well with lemon basil chicken–
- Herb Rice and Chickpeas
- Lemon & Herb Smashed Potatoes
- Green Goddess Pasta
- Pearl Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients for lemon basil chicken
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create an elevated dinner recipe. Here’s what you’ll need-
- Skinless, boneless chicken thighs: you can use chicken thighs or chicken breast or this recipe, just be sure to adjust cooking time for chicken breast
- Fresh basil
- Lemon juice + zest
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt & pepper
- Marinate the chicken in the olive oil, chopped basil, lemon juice, garlic and salt & pepper
- Grill it on a grill pan or outdoor grill until the internal temperature reaches 165 F
- Prepare the tomato salad by chopping the tomatoes and herbs and tossing them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper
- Serve over rice or your favorite grain
Tomato herb salad
The tomato herb salad adds a delicious freshness to this dish, made with minimal ingredients. You’ll need-
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh herbs- dill, parsley, cilantro, mint
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Toss together and enjoy with grilled chicken, salmon or your favorite protein!
This dish is perfect for summer, with minimal clean up and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you guys to try it!
Other bright & fresh summer recipes:
Pistachio Herb Salmon
Balsamic Chicken
Mushroom Tacos with Fire-roasted Corn
Lemon Basil Chicken
Ingredients
Lemon Basil Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs about 6 pieces
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cups fresh basil, finely chopped
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- Salt & pepper
Tomato Herb Salad
- 3 cups grape or cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, dill, mint
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Salt & pepper
Serve with
- Jasmine or basmati rice
Directions
- Add the chicken thighs to a bowl with the finely chopped basil, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic and salt & pepper. Toss together to coat evenly
- Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken with any remaining marinade and grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until browned. Let rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the tomato salad. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and add them to a bowl with the olive oil, chopped herbs, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and salt & pepper
- Serve the chicken over rice or your favorite grain, topped with the tomato herb salad
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