Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks 🍗
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper 🧂
2 tbsp olive oil 🛢️
3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or ¼ cup pesto if in a pinch) 🌿
1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine) 🍷
1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat 🔥
Instructions
Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the ChickenHeat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the FlavorIn the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth or wine, scraping up the browned bits.
Step 4: Add the Basil & FinishReturn chicken to the pan. Stir in chopped basil and lemon juice. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is warmed through and the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 5: Garnish & ServeTop with more fresh basil and cracked pepper before serving.
Notes
Delicious Pairings 🍽️
Buttered noodles or fettuccine 🍝
Garlic mashed potatoes 🥔
Crisp green salad with balsamic 🥗
Toasted Italian bread or focaccia 🥖
Grilled zucchini or asparagus 🥬