Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden herb crust, served with a bright lemon-dill sauce that makes this dish the best choice for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, dried thyme 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 425 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 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 1 tsp paprika. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup chicken stock and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer for 2 minutes more until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
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 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
