Lemon Basil Chicken – Juicy, Flavorful
Perfect for Easy Weeknight Dinners
This lemon basil chicken recipe is a refreshing twist on classic chicken dinners. With just a handful of fresh ingredients—lemon, basil, garlic, olive oil, and bone-in chicken thighs—you can create a dish that’s juicy inside, crisp outside, and bursting with flavor.
Using fresh basil leaves and lemon adds brightness, while garlic and olive oil provide depth. The result? A foolproof recipe that’s simple enough for weeknight meals yet elegant enough for guests. High in protein and low in carbs, it’s a healthy dinner essential for anyone looking to balance nutrition with great taste.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~295
Protein per Serving: ~28g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy Chicken Thighs – Bone-in thighs stay tender & juicy with a crisp golden skin.
Fresh Herb Flavor – Basil and lemon add vibrant, aromatic notes.
Simple Ingredients – Everyday pantry staples and fresh produce.
Protein-Packed – Around 28g of protein per serving.
Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for lunches and busy nights.
Healthy & Low-Carb – Naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low in carbs.
Foolproof Recipe – Easy steps guarantee success, even for beginners.
Ingredients
0.52 kg bone-in chicken thighs (about 4 medium thighs)
1 lemon, zest and juice
25 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
Optional Add-Ins:
Black pepper or red chili flakes for spice
Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure better browning
In a bowl, combine the chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped basil, and salt.
Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken thighs. Let sit overnight for deeper flavor.
Place chicken in air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
When done, let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Calories: ~295
Protein: ~28g
Fiber: 0g
Variations & Substitutions
Air Fryer Lemon Basil Chicken – Cook at 375°F for 25–28 minutes in the air fryer basket for crispy skin.
Lemon Garlic Chicken – Add extra garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
Herb Swap – Use parsley, thyme, or oregano instead of basil.
Citrus Twist – Try lime or orange juice for a different profile.
Low-Sodium – Reduce salt and season with smoked paprika or onion powder.
Boneless Option – Use boneless skinless chicken breasts; adjust cook time to 20–22 minutes.
Meal Prep & Storage
Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
Storage: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, just reduce cooking time to around 20 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F.
Q: Does this recipe work for meal prep?
A: Yes—it reheats beautifully and makes a great protein for salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
Q: Is lemon basil chicken keto-friendly?
A: Yes. With only ~2g carbs per serving, it’s perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead?
A: Definitely! Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This lemon basil chicken is the perfect balance of fresh, zesty flavors and hearty protein. With juicy inside, crispy outside thighs, it’s a foolproof recipe that’s versatile, healthy, and ideal for everything from family dinners to meal prep.
Serve it with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or cauliflower mash for a healthy dinner essential that will quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What extra spices would you add?
“I’ve always said fashion is like roast chicken: You don’t have to think about it to know it’s delicious.”
