Pan-Seared Chicken with Caper and Dill Sauce
Tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection with a bright, briny sauce for a restaurant-quality dinner. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) chicken breasts, olive oil, white wine 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add 1/2 cup white wine to the skillet, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in 2 tbsp capers and 1 tbsp fresh dill, then return chicken to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Caper and Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 with Caper and 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 with Caper and 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 with Caper and 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Caper and Dill Sauce?
French 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.