This easy lemon basil chicken recipe is perfect grilled or pan-seared and delivers tender, juicy chicken every time.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The lemon basil chicken marinade is so simple and only uses a handful of ingredients. The basil and lemon are non-negotiable in my opinion but feel free to substitute as you need.

Chicken breast. Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook super quickly but this marinade will be delicious with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or even on a spatchcock chicken.
Oil. I used avocado oil as the smoke point is higher but you can also use olive oil.
Fresh lemon zest and juice. Lime juice can also be used.
Basil. I love using fresh basil but dried basil works too.
Fresh garlic cloves. Garlic powder can be substituted.
Salt and black pepper.

How To Make Lemon Basil Chicken

Marinade: Mince the basil and garlic then combine with the lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken then allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes or covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Cook: The chicken can be grill, pan-seared or air fried.
To grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat then add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
To cook in a pan: Heat a large skillet or pan then add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
To air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C then add the chicken to the basket and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping half-way through, until the chicken is cooked through.

Can I Make This Ahead?

The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours ahead in the fridge. It can also be frozen in the marinade for up to 3 months. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon basil chicken is a fantastic main dish and can be served with a variety of dishes. Keep it low carb or gluten free by adding a side dish of vegetables or corn on the cob. Crispy potatoes and a big salad make it the perfect weeknight dinner.

Lemon Basil Chicken

This easy lemon basil chicken recipe is perfect grilled or pan-seared and delivers tender, juicy chicken every time.

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 8

Marinating time: 20

Total Time: 33

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken marinade, Easy grilled chicken, Lemon Basil Chicken

Servings:

Calories: 231kcal

Author: Alida Ryder

Ingredients

▢ 1 lb (500g) chicken breasts boneless and skinless
▢ ⅓ cup avocado oil
▢ 1 tbsp lemon zest
▢ 4 tbsp lemon juice
▢ ½ cup fresh basil finely minced (or substitute with 1-2 tbsp dried basil)
▢ 3 garlic cloves minced
▢ 1½ tsp salt
▢ 1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Slice the chicken in half, horizontally, creating two thin cutlets. This allows the chicken to cook super quickly on the grill or in a pan.
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl then whisk together.
Place the chicken in a dish suitable for marinating.
Pour the marinade over the chicken then allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes, alternatively covered, overnight in the fridge.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
Remove from the heat then serve with lemon wedges and fresh basil.

Notes

This chicken can be cooked in a few ways:

To grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat then add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
To cook in a pan: Heat a large skillet or pan then add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
To air fry: Keep the chicken breasts whole but flatten out slightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C then add the chicken to the basket and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping half-way through, until the chicken is cooked through.