Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Delight
This Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Delight is a fresh and zesty dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. The marinated chicken breasts are infused with the brightness of lemon and the aromatic essence of fresh basil, creating a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a versatile ingredient for the next day's panini, this dish can also be adapted using chicken tenders or scaloppine for varied textures. With minimal preparation and a quick grilling time, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts
4 (Trimmed and pounded to even thickness)
Large lemons
2 (Zested and juiced)
Garlic cloves
2 (Coarsely chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Fresh basil
2 teaspoons (Chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried))
Instructions
1
Start by zesting the lemons and then squeezing their juice into a small bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound them to an even thickness, ensuring they cook uniformly and remain tender.
3
Transfer the chicken breasts to a resealable bag or shallow bowl, pouring the marinade over them. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 20 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
Preheat your grill, broiler, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Delight?
It is a fresh and zesty dish featuring marinated chicken breasts infused with lemon brightness and aromatic fresh basil.
How many calories are in this chicken dish?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 35g of protein.
How much fat is in the Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken?
The dish contains 5.5g of fat per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
No, it is very low in carbohydrates with only 1.5g per serving.
Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted using chicken tenders or scaloppine for varied textures.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 30 minutes and up to 20 hours.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Why do I need to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that they cook uniformly and remain tender.
How long do I grill the chicken on each side?
Grill the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil for the 2 teaspoons of fresh basil.
What methods can I use to cook the chicken?
You can use a grill, a broiler, or a skillet over medium-high heat.
How many lemons are required?
The recipe calls for 2 large lemons, both zested and juiced.
What is included in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 coarsely chopped garlic cloves.
What heat setting should I use for the grill?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent as a main dish or as a versatile ingredient for paninis the next day.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: chicken breasts, lemons, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Can I marinate the chicken in a bowl?
Yes, you can use either a resealable bag or a shallow bowl covered with plastic wrap.
What is the prep time like for this dish?
Preparation is minimal, involving zesting/juicing lemons and pounding the chicken before marinating.
Is this dish considered a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is high in protein, low in carbs, and features healthy fats from olive oil.
Can I use this chicken for sandwiches?
Absolutely, it makes a perfect filling for paninis or other sandwiches.
How do I pound the chicken without making a mess?
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap before using a meat mallet.
How much olive oil is needed?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for the marinade.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The primary flavors are bright citrus from the lemon and aromatic herbal notes from the basil.
Is this recipe good for summer?
Yes, its fresh flavor profile and grilling method make it a popular summer recipe.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is best because you also need the zest, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What side dishes go well with this?
It pairs well with grilled vegetables, a light salad, or quinoa.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 4 boneless chicken breasts.