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Lemon Basil Chicken Bowls

Lemon Basil Chicken Bowls

  • Author: Avery
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: International

Description

Discover how to make delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Bowls with this easy recipe. Learn how to create a flavorful and healthy meal in no time!


Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped, about 240 g
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground black pepper
  • 5 cups (120 g) loosely packed baby spinach, about 140 g
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Prepared brown rice for serving


Instructions

  1. In a large pan, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft, approximately 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until it releases its aroma, roughly 30 more seconds.
  2. Introduce the chicken pieces, turn up the heat to medium-high, and cook for 3 minutes, ensuring all sides are browned. Mix in the soy sauce and ground black pepper. Continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly done, about another 3 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the baby spinach, a few handfuls at a time, allowing the pan’s heat to wilt it. Incorporate the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil leaves. Cook and stir until the basil just begins to wilt, about 1 minute more. Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm alongside prepared brown rice.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and black pepper for 30 minutes before cooking for a more intense flavor.
  • Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
  • To keep the spinach from getting too soggy, add it at the end and cook until wilted. Garnish with lemon zest or fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness before serving.