Lemon & Dill Chicken
This Lemon & Dill Chicken is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed!
Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts bathe in a bright, garlicky lemon-dill sauce that’s light yet irresistibly flavorful.
Ready in just 30 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect balance of zesty, herby, and downright delicious.
Bonus? It’s healthy, low-carb, and dairy-free—but you’d never guess from the taste!
One bite, and you’ll be making this on repeat.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon & Dill Chicken
- Ready in 30 minutes – A quick, stress-free dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bright and fresh flavors – Lemon, garlic, and dill create a light yet incredibly flavorful sauce.
- Juicy, tender chicken – Pan-seared until golden, then finished in the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Made with simple ingredients – Everything you need is easy to find and likely already in your kitchen.
- Healthy and family-friendly – High in protein, naturally low in carbs, and dairy-free without sacrificing taste.
- Pairs with almost anything – Serve it with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
For Lemon & Dill Chicken
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and juicy option.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Olive Oil or Canola Oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Brings a rich, aromatic kick to the dish.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the light, flavorful sauce.
- Flour – Helps thicken the sauce slightly for a smooth texture.
- Fresh Dill – The star ingredient, adding a bright, herby freshness.
- Lemon Juice – Provides a zesty, tangy balance to the sauce.
How to Make Lemon & Dill Chicken
This easy Lemon & Dill Chicken comes together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make it:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for a few minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until it begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step builds the flavorful base for the sauce.
3. Make the Lemon-Dill Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, flour, fresh dill, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet, whisking as it cooks. In just a few minutes, the sauce will thicken slightly and become light, fresh, and full of flavor.
4. Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken and any juices that collected on the plate back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and tender. As it cooks, the chicken soaks up all the bright lemon and fresh dill flavors.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the warm lemon-dill sauce over the chicken, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a simple, satisfying meal.
Lemon & Dill Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1¼ pounds)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tsp extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil, divided
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped, divided
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Season & Sear the Chicken
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1½ teaspoons of oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1½ teaspoons of oil to the skillet.
- Sauté the onion and garlic for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, flour, 1 tablespoon of dill, and lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet, whisking constantly until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Finish Cooking
- Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.
Serve & Garnish
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed, then spoon it over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of fresh dill before serving.
Nutrition
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work just as well and are often juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a little longer to cook through.
2. What if I don’t have fresh dill?
No worries! Dried dill works too—just use one-third the amount since it’s more concentrated. If you don’t have dill at all, parsley or thyme can give a different but delicious twist.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. What should I serve with it?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed veggies, roasted potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad. It’s light yet satisfying, so feel free to mix and match your favorite sides!
5. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Easy fix! Whisk ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water, then stir it into the sauce while simmering. It’ll thicken up in no time!
If fresh lemon flavors are your favorite, you’ll also love my Creamy Lemon Chicken, Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken, and Lemon Chicken Pasta.
These easy chicken dinners are full of bright, fresh flavors and are perfect for adding more variety to your weekly meal plan.
