Sear-Browned Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs with a golden sear, served with a bright lemon-dill sauce made from Greek yogurt and fresh herbs. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends Chicken thighs, Olive oil, Salt 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 300 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill, then add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes until sauce is warm and slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
  5. Step 5: Slice chicken thighs and serve with lemon-dill sauce drizzled over top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Browned Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sear-Browned Chicken Thighs with Lemon-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 Sear-Browned Chicken Thighs with Lemon-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 Sear-Browned Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill 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 Sear-Browned Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Dill Sauce low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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