Lemon-Basil Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Elevate your dining experience with this delightful Lemon-Basil Chicken featuring a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Inspired by the popular restaurant dish, this savory recipe combines tender grilled chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from fresh ingredients and zesty lemon juice. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at home. Serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Minced yellow onion
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Dry white wine
1/2 cup (choose a good quality wine)
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Cold butter
2/3 cup (sliced)
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (packed in oil or dry)
Chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (fresh)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 pieces (approximately 6 oz each)
Extra virgin olive oil
to brush (for grilling)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to season)
Caprino goat cheese
8 ounces (or other goat cheese at room temperature)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic and onion. Sauté until both are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Next, stir in the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once reduced, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cold butter one slice at a time until fully melted and incorporated.
4
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, kosher salt, and white pepper. Stir well and remove from heat; set aside the sauce.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats, brush each chicken breast with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
6
Grill the chicken for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7
In the final minutes of grilling, place a generous amount of goat cheese on each chicken breast, allowing it to soften slightly.
8
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the sun-dried tomato sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Lemon-Basil Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce?
This dish features a savory and zesty flavor profile, combining tender grilled chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, aromatic basil, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for six boneless skinless chicken breast halves, approximately 6 oz each.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
The chicken should be grilled for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What kind of wine should I use for the sauce?
You should use a good quality dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to ensure a clean flavor.
Can I substitute the goat cheese?
While Caprino or standard goat cheese is recommended for its creamy tang, you can substitute it with feta or a mild cream cheese if necessary.
How do I prevent the butter sauce from breaking?
Whisk in the cold butter one slice at a time over low heat until fully incorporated to create a stable emulsion.
What are the primary herbs used in this dish?
Freshly chopped basil is the primary herb used to provide a sweet, peppery aroma to the sun-dried tomato sauce.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
Yes, you can use either oil-packed or dry sun-dried tomatoes. If using dry ones, ensure they are finely chopped.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
What is the purpose of reducing the wine and lemon juice?
Reducing the mixture by half concentrates the flavors and creates a thicker base for the butter sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
This dish is excellent served over a bed of pasta or with a side of fresh seasonal vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its elegant presentation and complex flavors make it perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor, but if you must use dried, use about one-third of the amount.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal searing and even cooking.
How do I prepare the chicken for the grill?
Brush each breast with extra virgin olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
When should I add the goat cheese to the chicken?
Add the goat cheese in the final minutes of grilling so it has time to soften slightly without melting away.
What is Caprino goat cheese?
Caprino is an Italian goat's milk cheese that is known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is white pepper necessary?
White pepper is used for its mild heat and to keep the sauce visually clean, but black pepper can be used as a substitute.
How do I mince the yellow onion?
Finely chop a fresh yellow onion until you have 1 tablespoon for the base of the sauce.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or additional lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the wine and butter are processed without gluten contaminants.
How much butter is in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons for sautéing and 2/3 cup of cold sliced butter for the sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best served fresh, but you can prepare the reduction ahead and finish with butter right before serving.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people, using 6 chicken breast halves.
Should the lemon juice be fresh or bottled?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the most vibrant and zesty flavor.
What is the total amount of sun-dried tomatoes?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though grilling times may vary slightly.
How do I serve the dish?
Transfer the grilled chicken to plates and spoon a generous amount of the warm sun-dried tomato sauce over the top.
What do I do with leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the butter sauce.