Citrus and Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Juicy roasted chicken with a bright citrus-herb crust, served with a tangy dill sauce. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes blends bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, thinly sliced lemon, peeled garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 4 cloves, peeled garlic
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped dill
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place chicken skin-side up in a roasting pan. Arrange lemon slices and garlic cloves around the chicken.
- Step 3: Mix together 1 tbsp olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Rub over chicken skin.
- Step 4: Roast for 35-40 minutes until skin is golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Step 5: While chicken roasts, whisk together lemon juice, chopped dill, sour cream, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir in 1 tsp olive oil to emulsify.
- Step 6: Remove chicken from pan, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with lemon-dill sauce before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus and Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus and Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus and Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus and Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved the lemon-dill sauce - it made the chicken so flavorful!
- ★★★★★
Roasted to perfection with the herbs and lemon. A new favorite!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the flavors were bright and the chicken was tender.