Herb-Crusted Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce
A golden-brown chicken breast with a fragrant herb crust, served atop a rich avocado sauce that’s perfectly balanced for keto macros. This american-inspired keto (keto, high protein) ready in about 35 minutes blends avocado oil, finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped fresh parsley 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
- 6 oz (2 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 medium, pitted and diced avocado
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Press 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tsp lemon zest firmly onto the top surface of each breast.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken breasts in the skillet, smooth-side down, and cook for 4 minutes without moving until golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tsp lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute until reduced by half. Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream and 1/4 diced avocado, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat. Serve immediately, garnished with extra dill.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Avocado 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Avocado 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Avocado 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Avocado 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.
Is Herb-Crusted Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.