Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Creamy Dill Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A protein-packed keto dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in fresh herbs and served with a velvety dill-infused cream sauce, ready in under 20 minutes. This american-inspired chicken (high protein, keto) ready in about 22 minutes blends olive oil, medium, zested and juiced lemon, finely chopped fresh dill 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 320 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp dried thyme.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, add 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate, leaving drippings in skillet. Add 2 tbsp heavy cream, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet, stirring constantly until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 2 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Pour sauce over chicken breasts and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Creamy Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Creamy Dill 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.

Is Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Creamy Dill Sauce high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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