Lemon Basil Chicken | In a Cast Iron Skillet or Grilled
Bright and fresh flavors of lemon, basil, and olive oil season this healthy and delicious chicken recipe. Easy recipes like this are a perfect weeknight meal or a healthy lunch prep option.
Servings 2 people
Ingredients
- Half of a lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tbs fresh basil chopped
- 3 tbs avocado or olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 Chicken breasts
Instructions
- Pour all of the marinade ingredients into a gallon-sized plastic bag. Zip the bag closed and squish it around to mix the ingredients.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half length-wise with a serrated knife to create 4 thin chicken breasts.
- Add the chicken breasts and marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours. If the chicken breasts are frozen let them thaw completely in the marinade and then slice them in half lengthwise once they have thawed.*
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or the grill for a few minutes on medium. Then increase the heat to medium-high.
- Place the chicken in the skillet or on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes or until 3/4 of the chicken breast turns white. The chicken should be nicely golden brown and the internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.
- Turn the heat up to high, flip the chicken, and cook for 4-5 minutes on the other side.
- Remove chicken breasts and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for about 3-5 minutes to let the juices redistribute in the meat.
- Serve the chicken with additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra punch of lemon flavor.
Notes
You can make this without slicing the chicken breasts in half, just increase the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side.
We like to serve Lemon Basil Chicken with a side salad, green beans or pasta.