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chicken breast topped with goat cheese

Bonefish Grill Lily’s Chicken Recipe

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I still remember the first time I tasted Lily’s Chicken at Bonefish Grill. The chicken was soft and juicy, and it was topped with creamy goat cheese, spinach, artichokes, and a lemon basil sauce that made everything taste fresh and bright.

But I wanted to try it at home. I love recreating my favorite dishes, so I started testing the Bonefish Grill Lily’s chicken recipe in my kitchen. After a few tries and some taste tests with my family, I finally found a version that feels just like the one from the restaurant.

What I love most about this Bonefish Grill Lily’s chicken recipe is that it uses simple ingredients, like olive oil, fresh herbs, and goat cheese. These little things come together to make something special.

Even though it sounds fancy, Lily’s Chicken is not hard to make. I will show you every step and share some tips I learned along the way.

Key Takeaways

  • Main Ingredients: Lily’s chicken bonefish grill recipe is made with grilled chicken breasts. It is topped with goat cheese, sautéed spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, and a lemon basil sauce.
  • Flavor Balance: The creamy goat cheese and tangy artichokes taste great with the bright and buttery lemon basil sauce. All the flavors work well together.
  • Quick to Cook: This dish takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It is easy to make, even on a busy day.
  • Easy to Change: This Bonefish Grill Lily’s chicken recipe is very flexible. You can swap the cheese, add mushrooms, or mix in sun-dried tomatoes. It is easy to make this Lily’s chicken bonefish grill recipe fit your taste.

What is the lily’s topping at a Bonefish Grill?

Lily’s Chicken at Bonefish Grill comes with a special topping that makes the dish stand out. It includes creamy goat cheese, sautéed spinach, and marinated artichoke hearts. Everything is finished with a fresh lemon basil sauce.

When I first tried it at the restaurant, I was amazed by how the spinach and artichokes worked together. It reminded me of a warm spinach-artichoke dip, but in a more elegant way. The flavors mix perfectly and sit on top of the chicken without being too heavy. This is what gives the dish that fancy restaurant feel, even when you make it at home.

How to get grilled chicken flavour?

To get that tasty grilled flavor at home, start by using high heat. A cast‑iron skillet or grill pan works great. Heat the pan until it is very hot, almost smoking. Lightly rub some oil on the chicken so it doesn’t stick. Place the chicken in the pan and don’t move it for the first few minutes. This helps create nice sear marks, just like on a grill.

If you have an outdoor grill, cook the chicken over medium‑high heat. Keep the lid partly closed to hold in moisture and heat. For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The lemon helps soften the meat and adds a fresh taste.

Bonefish Grill Lily’s Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Recipe Blossom
4.0 from 7 votes
Course: MeatCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories per serving

520

kcal
Total time

40

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients for Bonefish Grill Lily’s Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

  • ½ cup artichoke hearts (canned or jarred), chopped

  • Lemon Basil Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional for more lemon punch)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

How to Make Lily’s Chicken Step by Step

  • Prepare the Chicken Breasts
    First, dry the chicken breasts using paper towels. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This helps give the chicken a nice flavor when cooked. In a skillet or grill pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown. The inside of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, move the chicken to a plate and cover it lightly with foil to keep it warm.
  • Make the Lemon Basil Sauce
    Use the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When the butter melts, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens a little. Now, add lemon zest and chopped basil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. For a richer sauce, you can stir in one more spoon of butter. Then turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
  • Sauté and Assemble Toppings
    In a new pan, heat the last tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1 minute until it softens. Then add the artichoke hearts and stir to warm them up. Turn off the heat. In a bowl, mix the warm spinach and artichokes with the goat cheese. The heat will make the cheese soft and creamy.
  • Finish in the Oven or on the Stove
    Turn on your oven broiler or preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken in a dish that can go in the oven. Spoon the spinach and goat cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast. Press it down gently. If using the broiler, put the dish in for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts a bit. If baking, cook for about 5 minutes. Once it is warm and the cheese is soft, remove the chicken and pour the lemon basil sauce over the top. Serve right away with the sides you like.

Serving Ideas for Lily’s Chicken

Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Lily’s Chicken tastes amazing with creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the lemon basil sauce, and the soft, buttery texture goes well with the tangy goat cheese. I like to mix in some roasted garlic to give the mashed potatoes extra flavor.

Pair with Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans

For something lighter, try serving the chicken with steamed asparagus or green beans. You can drizzle a little bit of the lemon basil sauce over the veggies to tie everything together. The green vegetables also add a fresh crunch and nice color to the plate.

Add on Top of Pasta for a Complete Meal

If you want a filling dinner, place the chicken over cooked pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with olive oil or a little bit of the lemon basil sauce before adding the chicken. Everything comes together in one bowl and feels like a dish from a restaurant.

Chef Recommendations for Perfect Flavor

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F inside. Use a meat thermometer to check. If the chicken cooks too long, it becomes dry and does not soak up the sauce well.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil gives the sauce a bright and fresh flavor. Dried herbs don’t give the same taste. If you only have dried basil, add more lemon zest or a little splash of white wine to boost the flavor.
  • Balance the Sauce: Before pouring the lemon basil sauce on the chicken, taste it. If it tastes too sour, stir in a little more butter or a spoonful of cream. If the flavor is too soft, add a small pinch of salt or more lemon juice to brighten it up.
  • Let the Sauce Simmer; Give the sauce a few minutes to gently simmer. This helps all the flavors come together. If you rush, the garlic may taste too strong, and the sauce might turn watery.

Flavor Variations to Try

Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes Instead of Fresh

Sun-dried tomatoes have a sweet and strong tomato taste. They go well with creamy goat cheese. Just chop a small handful and mix them into the spinach and artichoke topping before placing it on the chicken.

Try Goat Cheese or Mozzarella Instead of Feta

Goat cheese is the usual choice for Lily’s Chicken, but you can use other cheeses, too. Feta gives a salty and sharp flavor, while mozzarella melts nicely and tastes mild. You can also mix two cheeses to get the taste you like best.

Add Capers or Sautéed Mushrooms for Depth

To make the dish taste deeper, add a spoonful of capers to the lemon basil sauce. Capers have a slightly salty, tangy flavor that balances the butter. You can also cook some sliced mushrooms with the spinach and artichokes for a rich, earthy flavor and a bit more texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Can You Prep the Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the lemon basil sauce up to three days early. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you are ready to use it, heat it slowly on the stove. Stir it now and then. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.

How Long Can You Store Leftovers?

Leftover Lily’s Chicken stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container. For the best results, store the sauce in a separate container. Reheating the sauce and chicken together can make the chicken soft and less tasty.

Best Way to Reheat Without Drying It Out

To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is warm all the way through. You can also use an air fryer at the same temperature for 5 to 6 minutes to keep the outside a little crisp. Warm the sauce on the stove in a separate pan, then pour it over the chicken just before serving.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Calories and Macronutrients: One serving of Lily’s Chicken usually has between 490 and 560 calories, depending on how much sauce and cheese you use. It is high in protein, with about 62 to 67 grams in each serving, which helps keep you full. The dish contains 22 to 33 grams of fat, and about half of that is saturated fat from the cheese and butter.
  • Carbs, Sodium, and Sauce Info: This meal is low in carbs, with just 7 to 13 grams coming mostly from the spinach and artichokes. The sodium level is around 830 to 930 milligrams per serving, so if you need to watch your salt intake, try using unsalted broth and add less salt while cooking. The lemon basil sauce adds flavor and some fat, but very little sugar or carbs.

How many calories are in Lily’s chicken?

One serving of Lily’s Chicken contains about 510 to 560 calories. It has around 22 to 33 grams of fat and 62 to 67 grams of protein. Carbohydrates are low, usually between 7 to 13 grams.

FAQs

Is this the exact Bonefish Grill recipe?

No, this is a copycat version made at home. It is very close in flavor and texture, but not the exact restaurant recipe.

Can I substitute the lemon butter sauce?

Yes. You can use a simple garlic butter sauce or a white wine sauce if you prefer. Just keep it light to match the toppings.

What kind of cheese does Lily’s Chicken use?

It uses goat cheese. The cheese is creamy, slightly tangy, and melts gently over the chicken.

Is Lily’s Chicken spicy?

No, it is not spicy. The flavor is mild, creamy, and fresh with a slight tang from lemon and artichokes.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Yes. You can grill the chicken on medium-high heat until fully cooked. It adds a nice smoky flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be if you skip flour-based sauces and check all packaged ingredients like broth and artichokes for hidden gluten.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. You can use a plant-based cheese and replace butter with olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

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