Lemon Dill Pan-Seared Chicken
Tender chicken breasts seared until golden with a bright lemon-dill sauce that enhances without overpowering. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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, boneless and skinless (about 1.5 lbs) chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 1 tbsp butter to skillet, stirring to combine and melt butter.
- Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat evenly with sauce, and cook for 1 minute until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Dill Pan-Seared Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Chicken?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Dill Pan-Seared Chicken?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken 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 Pan-Seared Chicken?
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
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this. The dill adds such a lovely touch.
- ★★★★★
Loved the bright lemon flavor! Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Delicious, but the chicken took a bit longer to cook than the recipe said. Maybe I should have cut it thinner?
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