Pan-Seared Lemon-Dill Chicken with Cream Cheese Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts with a bright lemon-dill finish and a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly without carbs. This american-inspired keto (high-protein, low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes blends boneless chicken breasts, avocado oil, 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 320 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
  2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping once with tongs.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Add 2 tbsp fresh dill and simmer for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 2 oz cream cheese and 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Return chicken to skillet and coat evenly with sauce.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 1 minute more until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Lemon-Dill Chicken with Cream Cheese 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Cream Cheese 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Cream Cheese Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Cream Cheese Sauce high-protein?

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

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