Go Back
Homemade Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken recipe photo

Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken

This Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken is bursting with fresh lemon zing and herbaceous dill in a luscious, velvety sauce—quick, easy, and irresistibly comforting!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts tender and perfect for quick cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the chicken to a golden brown
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates the rich, creamy sauce base
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy tang
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped, brings a fresh, herbal note
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, adds depth and aroma
  • salt and pepper to taste, enhances all the flavors

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Serving plate or platter

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and chop the fresh dill.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside tented with foil.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate browned bits. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to blend into a smooth sauce.
  5. Sprinkle chopped dill into the sauce and stir well. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
  6. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Plate the chicken and spoon extra sauce over the top. Serve with your choice of sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Substitute dried dill if fresh is unavailable; use 1 teaspoon and add earlier for flavor development.
  • Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
  • Chicken thighs can replace breasts but may require longer cooking time.
  • Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
  • To thicken a thin sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.