Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Pound them to even thickness first, and reduce the simmering time to about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter to the sauce for richness since breasts are leaner.

Why did my sauce turn out lumpy?

Lumps usually form when flour is added too quickly or when the pan is too hot. To fix a lumpy sauce, remove the chicken and whisk vigorously until smooth, or strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer. To prevent lumps, make sure to add flour to a cooled pan and whisk constantly while gradually adding the broth.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The sauce won't be quite as rich but will still be delicious with all the lemon and dill flavors.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer – chicken thighs should reach 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a thigh; the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Lemon Dill Chicken Recipe

Name: Lemon Dill Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Tablespoon butter (unsalted); 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 1½ cup chicken broth; 3 Tablespoon lemon juice; 2 Tablespoon dill

This mouthwatering Lemon Dill Chicken is a game-changer for your dinner rotation! Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a velvety lemon-dill sauce that’s bright, herbaceous, and utterly irresistible. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless, making it ideal for both weeknight family dinners and casual entertaining. The creamy sauce with tangy lemon and fragrant dill creates a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 25 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious without the fuss.
Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and savory garlic creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are not only more flavorful than breasts but also typically more affordable, making this a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: The star of the show! Boneless skinless thighs stay juicy and tender, with more flavor than chicken breasts. They’re practically impossible to overcook.
Salt and Pepper: The foundation of good cooking. Season generously to enhance all the other flavors.
Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and creating that beautiful golden crust.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps the garlic bloom beautifully without burning.
Garlic: Provides that wonderful aromatic base that makes everything taste better. Fresh is best here!
Flour: The thickening agent that transforms the liquid into a silky, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon sauce.
Chicken Broth: Provides depth and savory notes to the sauce. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Lemon Juice: The bright, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness and makes the dish sing.
Dill: The herb that makes this dish special! Its distinctive flavor pairs beautifully with lemon and chicken.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try this sauce with salmon fillets or shrimp for an equally delicious seafood version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly – about 3-4 minutes per side for salmon and 2 minutes per side for shrimp.

Herbaceous Twists

Not a dill fan? Substitute with fresh tarragon for a French-inspired flavor, or try parsley and thyme for a more traditional approach.

Creamy Upgrade

Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt at the end for an extra luxurious sauce.

Vegetable Additions

Toss in some capers, artichoke hearts, or baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added texture and nutrition.

How to Make Lemon Dill Chicken

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Remove the skillet from heat briefly to cool down slightly (this prevents the garlic from burning). Return to medium heat, add butter, and once melted, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the pan and cook for about a minute until lightly browned, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and beginning to thicken. Stir in the lemon juice.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Stir in the fresh dill and taste the sauce. Adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference. Serve immediately while hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Temperature: For the best browning, make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Fresh vs. Dried Dill: Fresh dill is strongly preferred, but if you must use dried, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons and add half during cooking and half at the end.
Lemon Zest Boost: For even more lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon along with the juice.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Serve over:

Fluffy white rice or orzo pasta to soak up the delicious sauce
Creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food
Roasted asparagus or green beans for a complete meal
Crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce

Garnish Ideas

Extra sprigs of fresh dill
Lemon wedges or thin lemon slices
A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the dill infuses the sauce even more!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of dill before serving to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Pound them to even thickness first, and reduce the simmering time to about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter to the sauce for richness since breasts are leaner.
Why did my sauce turn out lumpy?

Lumps usually form when flour is added too quickly or when the pan is too hot. To fix a lumpy sauce, remove the chicken and whisk vigorously until smooth, or strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer. To prevent lumps, make sure to add flour to a cooled pan and whisk constantly while gradually adding the broth.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious with all the lemon and dill flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer – chicken thighs should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a thigh; the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Dill Chicken is one of those magical recipes that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in less than 30 minutes. The bright, herbaceous flavors make it perfect for spring and summer, yet the comforting, creamy sauce makes it welcome at the table any time of year. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe when you want something special without the fuss. Try it tonight – your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!