Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Fresh Dill

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

Seared to golden perfection, finished with a bright herb-lemon sauce that elevates a simple weeknight meal. This American-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs Chicken breasts, Olive oil, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breasts (each 6 oz) dry, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then return chicken to skillet. Cook for 1 minute, basting until sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Fresh Dill take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken 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 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 with Lemon and Fresh Dill?

American one pot 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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