Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb-Infused Cream Sauce
Tender chicken breasts baked with a creamy sauce infused with fresh dill, creating a hidden burst of herbal flavor that elevates simple weeknight cooking. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends olive oil, all-purpose flour, finely chopped shallots 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 450 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 skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped shallots
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each chicken breast in 1/4 cup flour, shaking off excess, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then sauté 1/4 cup chopped shallots for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh dill and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in 1/2 cup chicken stock and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top, and cook for 1 minute to heat through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb-Infused Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Herb-Infused Cream 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 Herb-Infused Cream 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 Herb-Infused Cream 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb-Infused Cream 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 half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.