Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, tangy cream sauce with fresh herbs and lemon, served over roasted broccoli for a perfectly balanced keto meal. This keto-inspired keto (high-protein) ready in about 50 minutes blends (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 480 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Keto cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken thighs dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet to oven.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, toss 12 oz (340g) broccoli crowns with 1 tbsp olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Roast in oven for 15 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then serve with broccoli and drizzle with lemon-dill cream sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Cream 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Cream 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Cream 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce high-protein?

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

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