Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon & Dill Skillet Chicken Recipe

The fresh tang of lemon paired with herbaceous dill creates a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
It’s a quick one-pan meal that doesn’t require hours of prep or cleaning.
With lean chicken cutlets and a light cream sauce, it hits the comfort-food mark without feeling heavy.
The sauce doubles as a topping for rice, pasta or mashed potatoes—so you get more versatility for your plate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 (4-ounce) chicken cutlets
½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
¼ teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small lemon, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped dill, plus more for garnish

Directions

Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with ¼ teaspoon pepper and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (about 6–8 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic to the pan; cook, stirring until fragrant (about 15 seconds). Add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth reduce by half (about 1–2 minutes).
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon slices, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes).
Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the chopped dill and turn the chicken to coat in the sauce. Garnish with more dill if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings (one chicken cutlet and approximately 3 tablespoons of sauce per serving)
Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use turkey cutlets or thin pork chops for a different protein option.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Add capers to introduce a briny contrast to the creaminess.
Mix in fresh spinach or peas during the last few minutes of simmering for added greens.
Serve with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly to preserve sauce texture.

FAQs

What type of chicken cutlets should I use?

Use thin, boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets. You can buy them pre-cut or slice regular chicken breasts yourself.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. Note that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 °F and the juices run clear.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon dried dill in place of 2 tablespoons fresh. Add it earlier in the cooking process to let it rehydrate.

Is the lemon slices essential?

The lemon slices add flavor and presentation, but you can skip them if needed. Increase the lemon juice slightly to maintain brightness.

What should I serve this dish with?

This pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots.

How can I adjust the recipe to feed more people?

Double or triple the ingredient quantities, and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Will the sauce thicken more as it sits?

Yes. The sauce continues to thicken as it rests off the heat, so don’t worry if it seems thin right after cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for best flavor and texture, cook it just before serving.

What if my sauce splits or becomes grainy when reheating?

Heat slowly and stir gently. Add a bit of room-temperature cream or broth to help emulsify the sauce again if it separates.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon & Dill Skillet Chicken is an elegant yet easy meal that balances bright citrus with creamy richness. With minimal prep and one-pan convenience, it’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Whether served with vegetables, grains, or pasta, it brings a refreshing burst of flavor to your table.