Baked Chicken Breast with Lemon and Basil

This easy recipe for baked chicken breast with lemon and basil would pair beautifully with baked potatoes.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 296 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
• 1 medium lemon, halved
• 2 (5 ounce) chicken breasts

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2

Wash chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Trim and discard fat. Tenderize chicken with a meat mallet. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil on each breast, lightly covering both front and back. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and set on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Squeeze juice from one lemon half over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with basil. Cut 2 slices of lemon from the remaining half and set 1 slice on each breast. Reserve remaining lemon for another use.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until chicken breast is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from oven, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 7 minutes before serving.