Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Dill Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a bright lemon-dill sauce with fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes blends olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary 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 450 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.

★ 3.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, flip, and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill to slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until chicken is very tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken, strain cooking liquid into a bowl, discarding solids. Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir into strained liquid in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to slow cooker, stir to coat, and simmer 5 minutes. Serve with sauce drizzled over top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs in 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs in 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs in 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Dill Sauce?

American slow cooker 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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