Ah, basil chicken—what a dish! It reminds me of last summer when my kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil leaves, almost like a hidden herb garden. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant basil is like a melody that plays on your taste buds, a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exhilarating. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just someone who loves good food, these easy basil chicken recipes are a must-try.
Steps
- Prepare a light summer salad by transforming it into a hearty sandwich with basil. Incorporate fresh basil leaves and a pesto spread on a toasted ciabatta bun. Use beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes when they are in season.
- Create a simple caprese salad for a summer treat. Use fresh buffalo mozzarella and combine it with basil and tomatoes for a quick yet impressive dish.
- Make a sheet pan chicken for a quick weeknight meal. Season the chicken the night before for extra crispiness and add torn basil just before serving.
- Mix cucumbers and peaches with an herb vinaigrette for a refreshing summer bowl. Use a food processor for the vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare a no-cook pasta dish by mixing sauce ingredients and letting them sit for fuller flavor. This dish is ideal for hot days or when you prefer not to cook.
- Enhance your mac and cheese by blending basil with cream before making the sauce. Add marinated artichokes for a richer flavor.
- Quickly make a basil vinaigrette using 1/2 cup of basil in 10 minutes. Use it on grilled vegetables or salads, and it can be refrigerated for up to a week.
- Create a fresh panzanella using store-bought polenta instead of bread. Use ripe tomatoes and salt them to draw out their juices.
- Stuff sturdy vine tomatoes with mozzarella and basil for a vegetarian main or side dish. If you lack a cast iron skillet, grill them on a suitable pan.
- Make a quick dinner salad using day-old bread and rotisserie chicken, ready in 30 minutes. Finish with torn basil sprinkled on top.
- Use two cups of basil leaves to make homemade pesto. Freeze any leftover pesto in ice cube trays for future use if not consumed within a couple of days.
- Lighten up a traditional Cobb salad with shrimp, feta, cucumber, and mango. Top it with a basil dressing blended with Greek yogurt.
- Grill pizza outdoors or bake it in the oven if grilling isn’t possible. Add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its flavor.
- Use grilled corn for a summer salad to enhance the corn’s flavor. Include up to a cup of basil and any available tomatoes, and enjoy it on the same day for the best taste.
- Cook a 30-minute skillet chicken using one pan for a flavor-packed meal. Opt for a stainless steel or enamel coated skillet rather than nonstick for optimal results.
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves, quantity as needed
- Pesto sauce, amount as desired
- Ciabatta buns, toasted
- Beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes
- Fresh buffalo mozzarella
- Chicken, seasoned and rested
- Cucumbers
- Peaches
- Herb vinaigrette
- Pasta
- Cream
- Marinated artichokes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil for vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetables
- Store-bought polenta
- Ripe tomatoes
- Sturdy tomatoes on the vine
- Mozzarella cheese
- Day-old bread
- Rotisserie chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh basil for salad
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves for pesto
- Shrimp
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Cucumber
- Mango
- Bacon
- Basil dressing with Greek yogurt
- Pizza dough
- Grilled corn
- Various tomatoes
- Skillet chicken ingredients
FAQ
- How can I tell if the basil I’m buying is fresh?
- When purchasing basil, look for leaves that are a vibrant green and stems that are also green. Avoid any bunches with browning leaves, as they indicate that the basil is not fresh.
- Are basil stems edible, and should I use them in my cooking?
- Yes, basil stems are edible. Thin and soft stems are more enjoyable to eat, while tougher, woody stems are best omitted. Feel free to experiment by chopping the softer stems and adding them to salads or blending them into pesto or vinaigrette.
- What is the best way to store leftover pesto made with fresh basil?
- If you have leftover pesto, a great way to store it is to freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag for easy use later.
- Can I use basil outside of the summer season?
- Absolutely! While basil is often associated with summer, you can find both Thai and sweet basil in grocery stores throughout the year, making it a versatile ingredient for any season.
- What type of basil should I plant in my garden for these recipes?
- For these recipes, sweet basil is recommended. It’s a popular variety that complements many dishes due to its mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Tips
- When shopping for basil, select bunches with vibrant green leaves and stems, avoiding any that are browning, as this indicates they may be past their prime.
- Consider using tender basil stems in your dishes; they can be chopped and added to salads or blended with leaves in sauces like pesto or vinaigrette for added flavor.
- For recipes requiring basil, add it just before serving to maintain its fresh taste, particularly in dishes like grilled pizza or salads.
- If you have excess pesto, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy future use, ensuring no fresh basil goes to waste.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Useful for making herb vinaigrettes and blending basil with cream for sauces.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Recommended for grilling sturdy tomatoes or for use in skillet chicken recipes.
- Grill-Safe Pan – If a cast iron skillet is not available, a grill-safe pan can be used for grilling tasks.
- Stainless Steel or Enamel Coated Skillet – Preferred over nonstick skillets for certain chicken recipes that require high sides for cooking.
