Pan-Seared Lemon-Dill Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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

Juicy chicken breasts with a bright lemon-dill crust served atop creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and dill to skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in lemon juice and 2 tbsp water, scraping browned bits from pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to create a light sauce.
  5. Step 5: While chicken cooks, boil potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  6. Step 6: Return potatoes to pot. Add milk, 1 tbsp butter, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Mash until smooth with a potato masher.
  7. Step 7: Slice chicken, drizzle with sauce, and serve topped with mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon-Dill Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon-Dill Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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 Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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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