Citrus-Marinated Chicken Salad with Dill

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, tender chicken salad featuring a zesty lemon-dill dressing that complements fresh garden vegetables. This american-inspired salads ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, fresh dill into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced red onion until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Add the diced chicken, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly coated, adding 1-2 tbsp water if too thick.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Chicken Salad with Dill take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Chicken Salad with Dill?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Chicken Salad with Dill?

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-Marinated Chicken Salad with Dill for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Marinated Chicken Salad with Dill?

American salads 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.

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