Estate-Grown Herb Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce
A tender chicken dish featuring garden-fresh herbs and a bright lemon-dill sauce, perfect for entertaining with a touch of elegance. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh thyme, 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 480 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 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped thyme and 3 tbsp chopped dill, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in 2 tbsp flour to thicken for 2 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and the zest of 1 lemon, simmering for 3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over top. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through, then serve immediately with extra dill for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Estate-Grown Herb Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Estate-Grown Herb 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 Estate-Grown Herb 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 Estate-Grown Herb 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 Estate-Grown Herb 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.