Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Sour Sauce
Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh dill and served with a tangy sour cream sauce that balances the herbs perfectly. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends Dill (fresh, chopped), Olive oil, Sour cream 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 350 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
- 2 (about 6 oz each) Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 large lemon (zest of 1/2, juice of 1) Lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tbsp Dill (fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sour cream, the zest of 1/2 lemon, 2 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
- Step 3: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then top with the sour cream mixture and the juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp) for a bright, tangy finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Sour Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Sour 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Sour 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Sour 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Chicken with Creamy Sour 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.