Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon Dill Sauce

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

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs finished with a bright lemon-dill sauce, ideal for a satisfying keto dinner with minimal prep time. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 32 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon 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 250 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 12 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook 10 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and let rest. Pour off excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in the skillet. Add lemon zest, juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 cup pan drippings. Simmer 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then spoon over chicken.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon Dill Sauce low carb?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes