Lemon-Dill Chicken and Vegetable Medley
Bright, herb-infused chicken simmered with seasonal vegetables in a lemon-dill broth for a refreshing Whole30 weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker (gluten-free, dairy-free) ready in about 375 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the seared chicken and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker, pour in 4 cups chicken broth, add 1 sliced lemon (1/4-inch thick), 1/4 cup fresh dill, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp sea salt.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken and Vegetable Medley take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken and Vegetable Medley?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken and Vegetable Medley?
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 Lemon-Dill Chicken and Vegetable Medley 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.
Is Lemon-Dill Chicken and Vegetable Medley gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.