Updated on August 28th, 2025
When you want a meal that feels bright and flavorful, grilled chicken with basil butter is a recipe that makes the most of simple ingredients while still tasting special. The chicken is marinated in lemon juice, lime juice, honey, and garlic, which gives it a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors before it’s cooked. Once the chicken comes off the grill, it’s topped with basil butter that melts over the hot meat, adding a rich and herby finish. This is the kind of recipe that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a backyard cookout with friends.
Why this recipe works
- Citrus marinade for freshness: Lemon and lime juice brighten the flavor of the chicken, while honey adds a hint of sweetness and garlic gives it depth.
- Grilling for flavor and texture: Cooking over direct heat locks in the juices and creates a light char that makes the chicken even more flavorful.
- Herb butter that melts in: The basil butter brings richness and a touch of garlic that blends perfectly with the freshness of the citrus marinade.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff: With just a handful of items you probably already have, the recipe comes together quickly but tastes like something from a restaurant.
- Flexible cooking method: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still make this on an indoor grill pan or under the broiler with great results.
Serving suggestions
- Pair with grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus cook beautifully on the grill and make a colorful, fresh side.
- Add some starch: Rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or even a simple pasta salad balance the tangy and rich flavors of the chicken.
- Keep it light: A cucumber or tomato salad works well to add freshness and cut through the richness of the basil butter.
- Serve with bread: Garlic bread or warm baguette slices are great for soaking up any extra melted butter from the chicken.
- Use leftovers creatively: Slice the chicken and add it to wraps, grain bowls, or even sandwiches the next day for an easy meal.
Grilled Chicken with Basil Butter Recipe
Enjoy juicy grilled chicken with basil butter, a flavorful recipe perfect for summer nights and easy dinners everyone will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Marinade-
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Basil Butter-
- 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine ingredients for basil butter; blend well. Place on a sheet of plastic wrap, form into a log and refrigerate until needed.
- Preheat gas or charcoal grill, or broil Press black pepper into 1 side of each chicken breast half. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, basil, and salt. Brush each breast half with butter mixture; place on grill and cook, turning until done throughout, about 7 or 8 minutes per side.
- When chicken is done, place 1 breast half on each of 4 plates; top with 1/4 of the basil butter log.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 569
- Sugar: 13.9 g
- Sodium: 419.8 mg
- Fat: 29.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.4 g
- Protein: 52.4 g
- Cholesterol: 226.5 mg
