Baked Chicken With Basil

Whether it’s for a family, potluck or barbecue, this Baked Chicken With Basil is the perfect dish to make. You can marinate and bake chicken breasts ahead of time or the night before (just bring it out of the fridge prior to baking). You can also prep the sauce of this Lemon Basil Chicken Recipes ahead of time and simply mix with warm pan juices after cooking.

This Roasted Basil Chicken is one of my favorite ways to prepare chicken – it’s quick, simple and the pink from the lemon makes a lovely change from the usual orangey yolks.

Baked Chicken With Basil

• Level: Intermediate
• Total: 1 hr 10 min

• Prep: 25 min
• Cook: 45 min
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 3 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 3 1/2-pound chicken
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 head frisee, torn (about 5 cups)
• 2 plums, cut into 1/2-inch wedges

Directions

1. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bring salted water in a medium pot to a boil. Cook for 30 seconds after adding 2 cups of basil; drain and run cold water to finish. Transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth with the butter, lemon zest, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Place aside.
2. Spatchcock the chicken by using kitchen shears to cut down either side of the backbone and removing it. Flip the chicken over and open it like a book. To flatten the backbone, apply pressure. Using your fingertips, gently separate the skin from the thighs and breasts. Add salt and pepper, then massage the chicken all over and under the skin with the remaining half of the basil butter. Place the rack skin-side up. About 45 minutes of roasting time or until the skin is browned and crisp and a thigh thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Place on a chopping board, then allow sit for 15 minutes.
3. In the interim, bring the potatoes to a medium saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Toss with half of the remaining basil butter and season with salt and pepper in a large bowl after draining.
4. In a sizable bowl, combine the mustard and vinegar. Whisk in the olive oil gradually. Include the frisee, plums, and the final cup of basil. Add salt and pepper, then gently stir to coat. Carve the chicken after spreading the leftover basil butter over it. Serve alongside the salad and potatoes.

Roasted Basil Chicken

These Dump-and-Bake Basil Chicken Breasts make a tasty, quick, and healthy dinner in just five minutes! For a flexible, low-calorie, and high-protein evening supper, the juicy, tender chicken is cooked in a fragrant white wine, Dijon, and fresh basil sauce.

This elegant-tasting dinner is ideal for your laziest days, and humble chicken breasts get a significant makeover!

Friends, trust me—the secret is in the sauce.

The meat is given a deep, complex taste by white wine and Dijon mustard; a little honey provides a subtle sweetness; and lots of herbs give this straightforward dinner a fresh zing!

Even while the basil chicken breasts look elegant enough to offer at your upcoming dinner party, they can also be quickly whipped up last-minute for a quick meal.

Enjoy a new, nutritious, and fulfilling spin on your usual chicken breasts for supper by keeping things straightforward and uncomplicated.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BASIL CHICKEN BREASTS:

Here are a few great options that go well with the baked chicken:

• Pasta tossed in olive oil, butter or pesto sauce
• Rice
• Crusty loaf of French bread to soak up any extra pan sauce
• A simple green salad dressed with Italian Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Southern Squash Casserole

Lemon Basil Chicken Recipes

With just a few ingredients but tons of flavor, this Sheet Pan Lemon Basil Chicken recipe is the perfect weekday dinner. Dinner is ready after 30 minutes. Whole30 and Paleo friendly!

In addition to my recipes for the Instant Pot and Slow Cooker, I rely a lot on these sheet pan dinners. Everything is placed in a single dish, placed in the oven, and presto! And based on the numerous requests I’ve gotten for more, I know you all adore them as well. And don’t worry, I’ve got lots of recipes for sheet pans in the works!

Let’s begin with this Lemon Basil Chicken, though. What could a dish possibly need more than than lemon, basil, and garlic? This dish is completed by chicken, potatoes, and asparagus and is expertly cooked in the oven. It tastes somewhat like pesto but with less cheese and more lemon. You will adore this dinner if pesto is your thing—it absolutely is mine!

As a dietitian and home cook, my favorite meals are those made on a sheet pan with lots of vegetables. I can use fresh herbs to make a delicious sauce that is nutrient-dense and complements the food to its fullest potential.

HOW TO MAKE SHEET PAN LEMON BASIL CHICKEN:

I begin by preparing a straightforward marinade in my food processor. Remember that when I say “marinate,” I also mean that you’re OK as long as the chicken is submerged in the sauce for at least a minute or two. I’ve worked hard to make this recipe as quick as easy as I can. But marinating the chicken in the morning is also a fantastic idea. I

To avoid a mess, spread parchment paper on a baking pan before distributing the chicken and vegetables. The sauce will be drizzled over the vegetables as well, ensuring that they roast beautifully and taste great!

To finish off this dish, additional salt and lemon pepper are a must. It adds a flavorful flavor boost! Additionally, you can create extra sauce and sprinkle it over your chicken and vegetables. Additionally, feel free to add extra parmesan cheese if you don’t adhere to a dairy-free diet.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

• In order to ensure optimal cooking, it’s crucial to chop the russet potatoes you use for this recipe into small pieces. They are primarily soft with a very slight crunchy feel. You can easily substitute another vegetable, such as zucchini or brussel sprouts, for the russet potatoes if you’d like.
• Green beans are also a great substitute for asparagus.
• Do you want to give your basil sauce some parmesan? Perfect! For a real pesto, include 1/4 cup.

SERVING AND STORING:

This dish is quite comprehensive; it doesn’t really need anything additional to be served! I do enjoy serving over a bed of greens and including some microgreens.

This recipe is excellent for meal preparation; prepare it over the weekend, then divide it into servings for the week.

How Long To Bake Chicken:

Whether or not the chicken is bone-in and the size of the chunk will determine how long to bake it. The FDA states that chicken is completely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind that as the chicken comes out of the oven, it continues to cook. After I remove my chicken from the oven (typically around 158 to 160 degrees), I give it about 10 minutes to rest. This helps the juices to spread throughout the flesh, producing juicy, tender chicken.

Bake bone-in chicken thighs for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit before continuing to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes at 425. If you’d like, you can use a meat thermometer along the way to monitor the internal temperature. If you need to cook the chicken quickly, bake it at 425 for 30 minutes and then check the temperature to make sure it’s done.

Finish the chicken on the high broil setting for 3 to 8 minutes for really crispy skin (keep an eye out so the chicken doesn’t burn).

The fact that bone-in chunks are far more forgiving than boneless ones in terms of flavor and texture is one among the things I like about them. While boneless chicken parts can be cooked for longer than necessary and still come out tasty, boneless skinless chicken breasts dry out rapidly and become tough when overcooked.

Bake boneless chicken breasts for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees (depending on the thickness of the breast). Before serving, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Can I Make This With Boneless Thighs or Breasts?:

Yes, absolutely. Simply use 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless thighs or breasts and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Bone-in pieces take longer to bake than boneless, so be sure you don’t overcook your chicken!

Recipe Adaptations:

• You can swap out the liquid aminos for soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• Rice vinegar can be substituted with lime or lemon juice.
• For the low-carb/keto version of this dish, omit the pure maple syrup.
• Instead of bone-in chicken thighs, use boneless thighs, boneless breasts, or drumsticks.

 Health Benefits of Basil Leaves

Basil leaves benefit our body and mind in a variety of ways, from a content stomach to clear skin. Let’s examine the health advantages of basil and some simple ways to incorporate it into your diet.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a revered and extraordinary herb with a wealth of health advantages. The name “basil” derives from the Greek word basilikhon, which meaning “royal.” This magnificent herb is currently grown all over the world and comes in more than 60 types, including sweet basil, holy basil, lemon basil, and curly basil, among others.

In order to have access to a few handfuls whenever needed, many people also plant it in their kitchen gardens. Additionally, the majority of Indian families revere basil (also known as tulsi), giving it a special place near the front door. Additionally, many cuisines, including Indian, Thai, and Italian, depend on sweet basil. This fragrant plant can do wonders for intestinal health and immunity. So let’s look at some of the top basil advantages!

Iron, manganese, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin k, and essential oils are all present in basil. Additionally, it benefits from the antioxidant properties of beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene. However, all these magical substances unavoidably evaporate from the herb as it dries. To make the most of them, grab fresh basil leaves whenever you can.

Here Are A Few Basil Leaves Benefits

1. Basil reduces oxidative stress

Antioxidant powerhouse that is basil (free-radical scavengers). As their name implies, these substances work to neutralize free radicals in your body. Free radicals are well-known for causing serious cell damage and elevating your risk of developing a number of health issues, including diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.

Additionally, basil contains flavonoids that strengthen your immune system, delay the effects of aging, and shield the integrity of your cells from harm.

2. Basil helps in preventing cancer

Holy basil has phytochemicals despite being extremely different from sweet basil, which we utilize in the majority of our recipes. You are protected from a variety of malignancies with the help of these bioactive plant substances, including skin, lung, oral, and liver cancer.

Additionally, basil inhibits the growth and spread of malignant cells. To support these statements, the American Institute For Cancer Research has carried out a number of research.

3. Basil benefits digestion

Eugenol can be found in sweet basil. This chemical compound’s anti-inflammatory characteristics help to maintain the health of your digestive system.

Basil promotes healthy digestion and a balanced pH level in your body, as well as aids your nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Basil works as a bulk-forming laxative to ease constipation as well.

4. Basil offers excellent skin benefits

Basil has potent and therapeutic essential oils that deeply cleanse your skin. It is also a lifesaver if you have oily skin. A component of basil called camphene enables it to function as a toner, assisting in the removal of extra oil, dead skin cells, and dirt that clogs the follicles. Even stubborn blackheads and whiteheads respond well to it.

Additionally, it gets rid of the free radicals that harm skin and make it appear old and worn out. All you have to do is combine some sandalwood powder, rose water, and a few basil leaves to produce a thick paste. You should apply this pack to your face and neck, wait 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water.

According to this study, basil and basil oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can help you prevent acne if you already have a problem with it.

5. Basil helps in diabetes management

Add basil to your diet if you have diabetes. It assists you in managing diabetes by slowing the process of blood sugar release.

Numerous research on both animals and people have shown that holy basil can also help prevent the various health issues connected to diabetes, such as hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood), excessive body weight, etc.

6. Basil helps fight inflammation in the body

Due to the strong anti-inflammatory effects and essential oils of basil. Empirically, it has been demonstrated that oils containing citronellol, linalool, and eugenol are effective treatments for a variety of illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease, heart problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, basil can be consumed to cure sore throats, colds, flu, fever, and headaches.

7. Basil helps you deal with depression

An adaptogen, which reduces stress, is present in basil. According to research, it boosts neurotransmitters that regulate hormones that make you feel happy and energized while also helping you deal with anxiety and despair. So, sip on a hot cup of perfectly brewed holy basil and sage tea and observe the difference.

8. Basil has got detoxifying properties

Studies show that basil protects our systems from toxins by increasing antioxidant levels and the activity of enzymes that eliminate and neutralize free radicals. The free-radical scavenging also slows down skin aging and preserves the skin’s flexibility and texture.

One of the most important organs in your body, the liver, benefits greatly from the use of basil. It cleanses your liver and is essential for avoiding fat from building up there. Basil improves your overall health while also helping your liver. It purifies the blood by removing poisons from it.

9.  Basil helps prevent heart ailments

You are well aware that eugenol is present in basil. According to numerous studies, this chemical molecule helps to block the calcium channels, which lowers blood pressure.

Additionally, basil’s essential oils lower your body’s triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Additionally, this plant contains magnesium, which enhances blood flow and permits your blood vessels and muscles to relax, reducing muscle cramps.

10.  Basil prevents infection

Basil is full of health benefits, but its antibacterial capabilities are among the most well-known. It aids in the treatment of numerous infections, including as urinary infections, lung infections, and stomach infections. These claims are supported by the study.