Citrus-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Tender chicken breasts coated in a bright lemon-zest crust, served with a cool, herby sauce for a refreshing weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, lemon 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
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp dill
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon), and 1 tbsp dried thyme. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: While chicken bakes, whisk 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl. After baking, remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then pour sauce into skillet. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly. Serve chicken drizzled with sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Crusted 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-Crusted 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-Crusted 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-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
American chicken 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
