If you’re craving a dish that combines zesty and creamy flavors with tender chicken, look no further. This Creamy Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet recipe is a delightful blend of tangy lemon and fresh dill, creating a comforting meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a refreshing twist on classic chicken dishes, leaving you and your family satisfied and eager for seconds.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil to taste.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil and butter together. Once the butter is melted, stir in honey, then brown the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate temporarily.
- In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté minced garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice, stirring over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Once baked, spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with fresh dill, and add cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4-6 chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ? cup heavy cream or half & half plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Juice of ½ lemon, approximately 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1292 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 100 g | Fat: 88 g | Saturated Fat: 40 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 512 mg | Sodium: 1064 mg | Potassium: 1980 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 20 g | Vitamin A: 2544 IU | Vitamin C: 16 mg | Calcium: 196 mg | Iron: 4 mg
FAQ
- Can I make Lemon Chicken on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish on the stovetop. Complete steps one and two, then return the chicken to the skillet and cover it with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear when pierced.
- Do chicken thighs taste different compared to chicken breasts?
- Chicken thighs and breasts do have a slight difference in taste. Chicken thighs, which are dark meat, contain more fat and are often sold with the skin on, leading to a richer flavor. Chicken breasts are white meat and tend to absorb the flavors of spices and marinades more readily.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with Lemon Chicken?
- Since this dish is already quite flavorful, simple sides work best. Consider serving it over rice or wide egg noodles. You could also toss pasta with the sauce and top it with chicken for a complete meal. Adding a side salad can complement the dish well.
- Can I substitute ingredients in the creamy dill sauce?
- Yes, you can. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half with a tablespoon of cornstarch as a thickener. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and fresh dill.
- Did you enjoy this Lemon Chicken recipe?
- If you tried and loved this recipe, please consider rating it! Your feedback is appreciated and helps others decide if the recipe is worth trying.
Tips
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, start by using a regular pan for browning the chicken, then transfer it to a baking dish before continuing with the oven step. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any unnecessary dish transfers.
- Choosing Chicken Parts: If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, which enhances the taste, giving the dish a meatier and more robust chicken flavor.
- Enhance Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, consider adding a sprig of dill and a thin slice of lemon when plating. This simple garnish can make the dish appear more sophisticated, perfect for serving to guests.
- Experiment with Sides: Pair the dish with simple sides such as rice, wide egg noodles, or any pasta tossed with the sauce. This complements the bold flavors of the lemon and dill cream sauce without overpowering them.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet: This is used to brown the chicken and then bake it in the oven.
- Baking dish (optional): If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you will need a baking dish to transfer the chicken to for baking.
- Garlic press or mincer: For mincing fresh garlic, if you don’t want to do it by hand.