Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s impossibly creamy, bright, and herby, Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce is about to become your dinnertime obsession! Imagine golden sautéed chicken smothered in a velvety, lemony sauce with pops of fresh dill—each bite is a little love letter to your tastebuds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce is chosen for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Each plays a starring role—whether it’s adding creaminess, a citrusy zing, or savory background notes that really make this dish sing!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Chicken provides a tender, juicy canvas—breasts for a lighter bite, thighs for extra richness.
• Salt and pepper: The essential seasoning duo to highlight all those gorgeous flavors.
• Oil and butter: The combination creates a beautiful sear and incredible flavor depth in the skillet.
• Honey: A subtle sweetness balances out the tangy lemon and the aromatic herbs perfectly.
• Dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder: This aromatic trio infuses the chicken with irresistible Italian-inspired warmth right from the start.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds lovely bite and a little sweet-spicy character to the creamy sauce.
• Chicken broth: A splash of broth forms a savory backbone for the sauce, rounding out the creaminess.
• Heavy cream (or half & half with a dab of corn starch): This is what makes the sauce lusciously thick and velvety—you can customize for richness or a lighter finish!
• Lemon juice: The real star, lending brightness and zing that keeps every bite deliciously fresh.
• Fresh dill: Dill’s signature grassy zip is what makes this dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.
• Cracked black pepper: A final flourish for a touch of heat and loads of visual appeal.

Variations

Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce is wonderfully versatile—think of it as your culinary jumping-off point! Don’t hesitate to make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adapting to dietary needs.

• Use Greek Yogurt: For a tangier, lighter sauce, swap half the cream for plain Greek yogurt. It adds lovely body and zing!
• Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or thinly sliced asparagus for a super-fresh, all-in-one skillet meal.
• Try Different Herbs: If you don’t have fresh dill, tarragon or chives work beautifully for a different herbal twist.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Coconut cream can stand in for heavy cream—then use extra lemon to balance flavors.

How to Make Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken (breasts or thighs) generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Heat a blend of oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet to give your chicken maximum flavor. Once the butter has melted, stir in the honey for that hint of sweetness, then add the chicken and brown for 2-3 minutes per side—the goal is a golden crust, not cooking it through just yet!

Step 2: Set Chicken Aside & Build the Sauce

Transfer the browned chicken briefly to a plate. Now, melt a touch more butter in the same skillet, add minced garlic, and sauté for about a minute—your kitchen will smell amazing! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits, then add heavy cream and fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Stir and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until delightfully creamy.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Return your chicken to the pan, nestling it in the dreamy sauce, then transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes (or until chicken is cooked through and wonderfully juicy). This step ensures the meat stays tender and soaks up all the flavors of the sauce.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Spoon more of that luscious lemon-dill sauce over the top, then finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped dill and some cracked black pepper. Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic touch, or plate for something a bit more elegant!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A flourish of extra fresh dill, a wedge of lemon, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper are all you need to make Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce absolutely sparkle on the plate. For an extra pop of color, a dusting of finely chopped parsley never hurts!

Side Dishes

This sauce just begs to be soaked up! Serve with fluffy rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a mound of buttered egg noodles to catch every last drop. A crisp green salad and some roasted asparagus or simple steamed broccoli make the meal sing with vibrant color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual nights, bring the skillet straight from oven to table for an inviting, family-style meal. For company, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of rice with sauce pooled around, then sprinkle herbs on top for a restaurant-worthy look. Mini portions on crostini make a fabulous spring appetizer, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce keeps beautifully! Store the cooled chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and mingle even more, making for an extra-tasty lunch the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let the cooked chicken and sauce cool completely. Package in a freezer-safe container, ideally with the sauce separating the chicken pieces—to avoid freezer burn—then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened up a little. Stir occasionally and take care not to boil, keeping that dreamy dill cream sauce smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken in Dill Cream Sauce brings bright flavor, cozy comfort, and just enough elegance to feel like a treat—whether it’s for a special gathering or a weeknight you want to make a little bit extraordinary. I hope it finds a spot in your regular dinner rotation and brings plenty of “wow, that’s good!” moments to your table. Enjoy every creamy, lemony bite!

Print