Chicken Roasted With Basil And Lemon
Juicy chicken breasts baked with fresh basil and lemon slices, offering vibrant citrus and herbal flavors, perfect for a light, flavorful main dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a heavy baking dish, combine olive oil, crushed garlic, salt, and ground pepper.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts; trim any excess fat.
- Roll the chicken in the oil mixture to coat evenly and arrange in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the julienne-cut basil leaves over the chicken.
- Arrange lemon slices around the edges of the chicken.
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Use tongs to turn the chicken over.
- Place a lemon slice on each piece of chicken.
- Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, spooning pan juices over the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil mixture for a few hours before roasting. If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 tsp. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different taste. This dish pairs well with Mediterranean recipes that feature light salads or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken warm with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a light meal. It also pairs nicely with Lemon Zucchini Soup or a grain like Fruited Rice Pilaf for a complete dinner. Drizzle extra pan juices over the chicken for added flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Roasted With Basil And Lemon contains roughly 1372 calories, with 47g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (276% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking time will be longer. Adjust the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for basil?
If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or other herbs like parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about one-third of the amount.
How can I tell when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy, or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for pinkness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).