Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Dill Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a fragrant herb crust and served with a tangy lemon-dill cream sauce that melts into the meat. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends all-purpose flour, dried parsley, dried basil 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 420 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dried parsley
- 1/4 cup dried basil
- 1/4 cup dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup dried parsley, 1/4 cup dried basil, 1/4 cup dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp salt, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere, then set aside.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and oil shimmers.
- Step 5: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 6: Pour 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1 minute until slightly reduced.
- Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp fresh dill, cooking for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 8: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top, and cook for 1 more minute to reheat through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Herb-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 Herb-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 Herb-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 Herb-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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.