Lemon-Herb Crispy Chicken with Creamy Dill Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a rich, tangy dill sauce made without dairy or added carbs. This american-inspired keto (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, fresh lemon juice, heavy 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 520 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute), then add chicken breasts. Sear undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp edges form.
- Step 3: Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 7-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate, leaving drippings in skillet. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp chopped dill to the skillet. Whisk constantly over medium heat for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon and reduces by 1/3.
- Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat and absorb flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Crispy Chicken with Creamy Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Crispy Chicken with Creamy Dill 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-Herb Crispy Chicken with Creamy Dill 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-Herb Crispy Chicken with Creamy Dill 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.
Is Lemon-Herb Crispy Chicken with Creamy Dill Sauce low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect keto recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.