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
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
Enjoy juicy grilled chicken with basil butter, a flavorful recipe perfect for summer nights and easy dinners everyone will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
