Pan-Fried Lemon Dill Chicken with Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick pan-fried chicken breasts topped with a fresh lemon-dill sauce for a bright, restaurant-quality dish in under 20 minutes. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 27 minutes pairs chicken breasts, lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken to skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add juice of 2 lemons and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, stirring until sauce thickens slightly. Pour sauce over chicken and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Lemon Dill Chicken with Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Fried Lemon Dill Chicken with Sauce?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Lemon Dill Chicken with 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 Pan-Fried Lemon Dill Chicken with 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 Pan-Fried Lemon Dill Chicken with Sauce?

American quick meals 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.

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