Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon and Fresh Dill
Tender chicken breasts with a bright citrus finish and aromatic dill, ideal for a simple dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, juiced (3 tbsp juice) lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 juiced (3 tbsp juice) lemon
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and season 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.
- Step 3: Add chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tbsp butter. Spoon mixture over chicken until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon and Fresh Dill 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon and Fresh Dill?
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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon and Fresh Dill?
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-Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon and Fresh Dill 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon and Fresh Dill?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Quick, easy, and the chicken was juicy every time. Will make this again and again.
- ★★★★★
The fresh dill and lemon made this dish absolutely delicious. Served it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal.
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and so flavorful. My husband said it's better than our favorite restaurant chicken.
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