Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon & Dill Chicken recipe is a wonderful choice if you love meals that are simple, healthy, and packed with flavor. The lemon adds a zesty brightness, while the dill provides a gentle, herby finish that complements the chicken beautifully. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want something wholesome and delicious with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Lemon slices (for garnish)
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Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in the chopped dill and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.
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Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15-20 minutes, bringing the total time to around 30 minutes.
Variations
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Creamy Version: Add a splash of coconut milk or a Whole30-compliant cream alternative to make a creamy lemon dill sauce.
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Grilled Option: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor, and serve with the lemon dill sauce drizzled on top.
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Add Veggies: Toss in some asparagus, spinach, or zucchini to cook along with the chicken for a one-pan meal.
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Herb Swap: Substitute or combine dill with parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use about one-third the amount of dried dill if substituting for fresh.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
The recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for dairy-free diets.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and dill for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavor even more.
What sides pair well with Lemon & Dill Chicken?
Steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad make excellent sides.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then pour the lemon dill sauce over the top before serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken stores and reheats well, making it a great option for prepping meals ahead of time.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly, or add a teaspoon of arrowroot powder mixed with water if a thicker sauce is desired.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing.
Can I freeze Lemon & Dill Chicken?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken (without lemon slices) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Conclusion
Lemon & Dill Chicken is a light, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company. With simple, fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether paired with your favorite sides or enjoyed on its own, this dish brings a refreshing twist to classic chicken dinners.
PrintLemon & Dill Chicken
Lemon & Dill Chicken is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, bright lemon, and aromatic dill. Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, this easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried, Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
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Stir in chopped dill and bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
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Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to coat.
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Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill before serving.
Notes
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Creamy Version: Add a splash of coconut milk or Whole30-compliant cream for a creamy sauce.
-
Grilled Option: Grill chicken and drizzle with lemon dill sauce after cooking.
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Add Veggies: Toss in asparagus, spinach, or zucchini for a one-pan meal.
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Herb Swap: Use parsley or basil in place of or along with dill for a different flavor twist.