Chicken: Famous Lemon and Basil Chicken

posted by RisaG 03-24-100 5:47 PM

* Exported from MasterCook *
Famous Lemon and Basil Chicken
Recipe By : Fresh & Fast by Marie Simmons, p. 113
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Busy Day Entrees Poultry
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 chicken breast halves (bone-in) -- fat trimmed or 1 whole chicken -- 2 lbs., cut up
salt and pepper -- to taste
4 large basil leaves -- * see note
4 cloves garlic -- bruised w/knife
4 thin lemon slices
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil


Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the chicken in baking dish; sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper; arrange skin side up.

Loosen the skin from each chicken breast and slip a basil leaf between the skin and the meat. Add the garlic to the baking dish. Place a slice of lemon on top of each piece of chicken. Drizzle with the oil.

Bake, basting occasionally with the pan juices and turning the chicken and the baking dish occasionally so the chicken browns evenly, 35-40 minutes. If using a whole chicken, the baking time will be about 50 minutes.

To serve, place a browned lemon slice and garlic clove on top of each portion of chicken.
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Serving Ideas : rice pilaf

Notes : Risa's notes:
*May use 1/4 tsp. dried basil under the skin of each.

If you don’t have bone-in chicken breasts use the boneless skinless ones and make a pocket in each. Fill each pocket with 1/4 tsp. dried basil and I lemon slice. Cook for less time - 25 minutes.


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