Here’s a refreshing and vibrant recipe that highlights basil beautifully, and it’s not pesto: Citrus Basil Chicken. This dish combines the fresh, aromatic flavor of basil with the tangy zest of citrus to create a light yet flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a summer dinner or a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- Additional whole basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Citrus Basil Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the orange, lemon, and lime juices along with the zest. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce reduce for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the chopped basil and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the citrus basil sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and infuse it with the sauce.
- Serve the chicken breasts garnished with whole basil leaves and drizzle over any remaining sauce from the skillet.
This Citrus Basil Chicken dish is delightfully simple yet packed with flavors that sing of freshness and zest. The basil not only adds a fragrant touch but also complements the citrus to create a beautifully balanced dish. Enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
