Description
This Italian Basil Chicken recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts infused with fresh basil, garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner that combines vibrant Italian flavors with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. This ensures even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic to keep it from turning bitter.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Tomatoes and Basil: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook just until wilted, releasing their aromatic flavor.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the tomato and basil mixture over them. Drizzle with lemon juice and cook for another minute to meld all the flavors before serving the dish hot.
Notes
- Letting the chicken sit at room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil won’t have the same vibrant taste.
- Cherry tomatoes add both sweetness and acidity, but grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, especially any additional seasonings, are gluten-free.
- Serve with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Italian Basil Chicken, chicken recipes, basil chicken, garlic chicken, healthy chicken dinner, quick Italian dinner
