Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet Quick and Flavorful Meal

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Are you looking for a quick, tasty meal? The Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet is perfect for you! This dish is packed with flavor and can be made in just one pan. With fresh ingredients like lemon, dill, and juicy chicken, you’ll enjoy bright tastes and easy cooking. Join me as we explore this simple, flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and dill adds a vibrant and refreshing taste that elevates the chicken to a new level.
  2. Quick and Easy: This skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish without sacrificing flavor.
  3. One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
  4. Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– Zest and juice of 2 bright, fragrant lemons

– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh dill sprigs

The Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet features simple yet fresh ingredients. You need chicken breasts, which are lean and cook quickly. Olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. Garlic brings a warm, fragrant note to the dish. The zest and juice of lemons provide a bright, tangy flavor. Fresh dill adds an aromatic touch that makes this dish special. Chicken broth keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Cherry tomatoes introduce a hint of sweetness and color. Don’t forget the salt and pepper; they enhance the taste of everything.

For garnishing, fresh dill sprigs add a nice touch. They make the dish look pretty and add fresh flavor. This recipe is quick, so gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. With these ingredients, you will create a delightful meal in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

– First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

– Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cooking Process

– Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through.

– After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

– In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great.

Making the Sauce

– Now, pour in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.

– Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

– Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped dill. Mix gently to coat the tomatoes.

Finishing Touches

– Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.

– Let it cook on low heat for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well.

– Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

– Serve the chicken hot with the sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for a nice touch.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Sear

To get a great texture on your chicken, start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This step is key to browning the chicken well. If the pan is too cool, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This color shows the chicken is seared and flavorful.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding some spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat. You can also mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper taste. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, add a touch of honey to the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add freshness, too. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices.

Cooking Technique Advice

Using a skillet is perfect for this dish. It gives you a quick and even cook. A non-stick skillet helps keep the chicken from sticking. If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a grill pan or even an oven. Just remember that cooking time may vary. Skillets offer a nice sear and keep your chicken moist.

Pro Tips

  1. Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil can enhance the flavor of your chicken and sauce significantly. Look for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
  2. Customize Your Herbs: If you don’t have fresh dill, feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or thyme, which also pair well with lemon and chicken.
  3. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken is juicy, let it rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.
  4. Enhance Your Sauce: For added depth, consider including a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the sauce for a flavorful twist.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch out chicken for fish or tofu. If you choose fish, salmon or cod works well. Both cook quickly and soak up the lemon flavor nicely. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes. Sear it until golden and crispy. This way, you still get a tasty meal with great texture.

Vegetarian Option

To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas. Use one can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed. After sautéing the garlic, add the chickpeas to the skillet. Stir them into the sauce and let them absorb the flavors. This option is hearty and full of protein, making it satisfying.

Flavor Modifications

Feel free to get creative with herbs and citrus. Instead of dill, try parsley or basil for a fresh twist. You can also add a splash of orange juice along with the lemon for a unique taste. Mixing in capers gives a salty, briny kick that pairs well with the dish. Each change offers a new flavor profile, making your meals exciting.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the chicken and sauce together. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This meal can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a bit of broth to keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy that fresh taste again!

FAQs

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried dill. Dried dill has a different taste. It is less strong than fresh dill. Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. This swap works well, but fresh dill gives a brighter flavor.

What can I serve with Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet?

You have many great options! Here are some ideas:

– Fluffy rice

– Fresh green salad

– Steamed broccoli

– Quinoa

– Garlic bread

These sides match well with the bright flavors of the chicken dish.

How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?

Cooked chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers.

This blog post covered how to make a tasty Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and important tips for the best results. You learned how to adapt this dish with different proteins and flavors. Remember to store leftovers correctly and follow safety guidelines. I hope you feel ready to create this dish in your kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious result

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 bright, fragrant lemons - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill) - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh dill sprigs The Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet features simple yet fresh ingredients. You need chicken breasts, which are lean and cook quickly. Olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. Garlic brings a warm, fragrant note to the dish. The zest and juice of lemons provide a bright, tangy flavor. Fresh dill adds an aromatic touch that makes this dish special. Chicken broth keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Cherry tomatoes introduce a hint of sweetness and color. Don't forget the salt and pepper; they enhance the taste of everything. For garnishing, fresh dill sprigs add a nice touch. They make the dish look pretty and add fresh flavor. This recipe is quick, so gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. With these ingredients, you will create a delightful meal in no time. {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. - Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. - After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. - Now, pour in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together. - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. - Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped dill. Mix gently to coat the tomatoes. - Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. - Let it cook on low heat for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. - Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. - Serve the chicken hot with the sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for a nice touch. To get a great texture on your chicken, start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This step is key to browning the chicken well. If the pan is too cool, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This color shows the chicken is seared and flavorful. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding some spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat. You can also mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper taste. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, add a touch of honey to the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add freshness, too. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices. Using a skillet is perfect for this dish. It gives you a quick and even cook. A non-stick skillet helps keep the chicken from sticking. If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a grill pan or even an oven. Just remember that cooking time may vary. Skillets offer a nice sear and keep your chicken moist. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil can enhance the flavor of your chicken and sauce significantly. Look for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Customize Your Herbs: If you don’t have fresh dill, feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or thyme, which also pair well with lemon and chicken. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken is juicy, let it rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness. Enhance Your Sauce: For added depth, consider including a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the sauce for a flavorful twist. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for fish or tofu. If you choose fish, salmon or cod works well. Both cook quickly and soak up the lemon flavor nicely. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes. Sear it until golden and crispy. This way, you still get a tasty meal with great texture. To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas. Use one can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed. After sautéing the garlic, add the chickpeas to the skillet. Stir them into the sauce and let them absorb the flavors. This option is hearty and full of protein, making it satisfying. Feel free to get creative with herbs and citrus. Instead of dill, try parsley or basil for a fresh twist. You can also add a splash of orange juice along with the lemon for a unique taste. Mixing in capers gives a salty, briny kick that pairs well with the dish. Each change offers a new flavor profile, making your meals exciting. To keep your Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the chicken and sauce together. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This meal can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a bit of broth to keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy that fresh taste again! Yes, you can use dried dill. Dried dill has a different taste. It is less strong than fresh dill. Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. This swap works well, but fresh dill gives a brighter flavor. You have many great options! Here are some ideas: - Fluffy rice - Fresh green salad - Steamed broccoli - Quinoa - Garlic bread These sides match well with the bright flavors of the chicken dish. Cooked chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and important tips for the best results. You learned how to adapt this dish with different proteins and flavors. Remember to store leftovers correctly and follow safety guidelines. I hope you feel ready to create this dish in your kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!

Lemon Dill Chicken Skillet

A flavorful chicken dish cooked in a lemon dill sauce with garlic and cherry tomatoes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pieces bright, fragrant lemons, zest and juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh dill sprigs

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Sear the chicken: When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
  • Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • Make the sauce: Pour in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the flavors and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Add the tomatoes and dill: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped dill into the skillet, mixing gently to coat the tomatoes in the sauce.
  • Return the chicken: Carefully place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the flavorful sauce over the top. Allow it to cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the chicken reheats through.
  • Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce, and if necessary, adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
  • Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken hot, generously drizzled with the aromatic sauce, and garnish each serving with fresh dill sprigs for a delightful presentation.

Notes

Serve alongside rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, dill, easy, lemon, skillet

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