Spring Lemon-Dill Chicken with Pea and Carrot Puree
A light, vibrant dish featuring pan-seared chicken breast with fresh dill, served atop a silky puree of peas and carrots for a perfect spring meal. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs peeled and chopped carrots, fresh peas, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness chicken breasts
- 1 cup, peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup chopped carrots and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 8 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup fresh peas, 1/2 lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until peas turn bright green and are tender.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp butter, and 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer to a blender carefully. Spoon puree onto plates, place chicken on top, and drizzle with any remaining pan sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring Lemon-Dill Chicken with Pea and Carrot Puree take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spring Lemon-Dill Chicken with Pea and Carrot Puree?
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 peeled and chopped carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Lemon-Dill Chicken with Pea and Carrot Puree?
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 Spring Lemon-Dill Chicken with Pea and Carrot Puree 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.
What goes well with Spring Lemon-Dill Chicken with Pea and Carrot Puree?
American vegetarian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.