Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Marinated in citrus and herbs, grilled until golden, served with a tangy dill sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends tablespoons lemon juice, tablespoon olive oil, tablespoon, finely chopped fresh dill 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 320 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 ounces each), boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill until smooth.
- Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the dish, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden brown. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 4: Stir 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the remaining marinade, then spoon over sliced chicken before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Grilled 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-Marinated Grilled 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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Grilled Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was so juicy and the sauce was perfect.
- ★★★★★
My family went crazy for this. The citrus and dill combo is amazing and it's so easy to make.
- ★★★★☆
The marinade was delicious, but the chicken took longer to cook than expected on my grill.