Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Looking for a light, fresh, and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets! This dish is perfect for any night of the week, featuring juicy chicken cutlets seasoned with lemon and basil, then seared to perfection. The combination of tangy lemon and fragrant basil creates a bright, zesty flavor that’s sure to please your taste buds.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets, including pro tips, side dish suggestions, and a step-by-step recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, around 1/2 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh basil. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2 hours.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Once the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and basil. Dried basil won’t give you the same bright, herbal taste.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures the chicken gets a nice sear and doesn’t steam.
Pound the Chicken Evenly
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that the cutlets cook evenly, preventing overcooking or undercooking in certain areas.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
If you have the time, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will become.
Serving Suggestions
With a Fresh Salad
Pair these chicken cutlets with a crisp green salad, like an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, to keep things light and refreshing.
With Rice or Quinoa
Serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. The grains will soak up the tangy lemon sauce, adding extra flavor to every bite.
With Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish, adding both texture and flavor to the meal.
Conclusion
Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets are a delightful combination of zesty lemon and fragrant basil, making them the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that everyone will love.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the refreshing taste of lemon and basil with tender, juicy chicken cutlets. This dish will quickly become a family favorite!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it easy to prep ahead for a busy day.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute fresh parsley or cilantro for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Just be sure to flip the cutlets halfway through for even browning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Looking for a light, fresh, and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets! This dish is perfect for any night of the week, featuring juicy chicken cutlets seasoned with lemon and basil, then seared to perfection. The combination of tangy lemon and fragrant basil creates a bright, zesty flavor that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
- Extra basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken cutlets with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano on both sides. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Add Basil and Lemon Zest:
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and lemon zest. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened. - Return the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken cutlets back to the skillet, turning them to coat in the lemon-basil sauce. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes. - Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, spooning the lemon-basil sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra basil leaves.