Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Dill
Juicy chicken breasts filled with a fragrant herb mixture, baked until tender, and finished with a bright lemon-dill sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs total) chicken breasts, tablespoons, chopped fresh dill, tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 (about 1.5 lbs total) chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry and make a horizontal cut into the thickest part to create a pocket, being careful not to cut through.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Divide the herb mixture evenly among the chicken breasts and stuff into the pockets. Secure with toothpicks.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season stuffed chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Step 6: Remove chicken and set aside. Pour off excess fat from skillet, then add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 7: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, simmering for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Step 8: Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce, cooking for 1 more minute to reheat.
- Step 9: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Dill take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Dill?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Dill?
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-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Dill 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-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Dill?
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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.