Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Jus

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

Juicy chicken thighs caramelized to perfection, served with a bright, herb-infused pan sauce that complements the meat without overpowering it. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 8 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 6 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and tent with foil. Add minced shallot to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until softened. Squeeze lemon juice from 1/2 lemon into the pan, scraping up browned bits. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped dill and simmer for 1 more minute. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over top. Garnish with remaining dill and lemon zest before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Jus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Thighs with Lemon-Dill Jus?

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 thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Jus?

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 Thighs with Lemon-Dill Jus 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 Thighs with Lemon-Dill Jus?

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.

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