Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 3. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Em's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $8.45 total, $2.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, about 6‑oz each)
- to taste Salt (prefer sea salt)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (fresh zest)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Heat Oil and Butter
Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until the butter melts but does not brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Sear the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook 5 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium-high
Rest the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: medium
Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Cream and Lemon
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Finish the Sauce
Add the chopped dill, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Re‑heat Chicken in Sauce
Return the rested chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and heat for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Serve
Plate the chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with a few fresh dill fronds or a lemon slice.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 51 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto-friendly, Low-Carb, Nut-Free
Allergens: Milk (butter, heavy cream)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Boneless chicken thighs
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half (thinner consistency)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice
- Instead of Lemon Zest: Lemon extract (⅛ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Small Saucepan (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken without moving to develop a golden crust.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Avoid over‑cooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh dill and lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after searing to lock in juices.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Continue simmering on low heat until it reduces and thickens, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
Chicken turns dry.
Do not over‑cook; sear until golden then remove. The final 2‑minute reheating in sauce is enough to finish cooking.
Cream curdles.
Keep the heat at medium‑low and stir constantly; add a splash of broth if the temperature spikes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The lemon‑dill cream sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; reheat gently over low heat.
- Season the chicken and keep it refrigerated; sear just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lemon dill chicken in Mediterranean cuisine?
Lemon and dill are classic flavor pairings in Mediterranean cooking, especially along the coastal regions of Greece, Turkey, and the Levant. The bright acidity of lemon and the herbaceous note of dill complement the lean protein of chicken, creating a light yet satisfying dish that is often served at family gatherings and summer meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of lemon dill chicken in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Greek cuisine the dish may include olive‑oil‑marinated chicken with a yogurt‑based sauce, while Turkish versions often add sumac or paprika. In the Levant, the sauce might be thinned with tahini. The Em's Kitchen version uses a rich cream base, which is a modern, Western‑inspired twist.
How is lemon dill chicken traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically served hot, drizzled with the sauce, alongside rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh dill are added at the table for extra brightness.
During which occasions is lemon dill chicken commonly prepared in Mediterranean culture?
The dish is popular for casual family dinners, weekend lunches, and festive gatherings such as Easter or summer barbecues, where its fresh flavors complement other grilled or roasted dishes.
What makes lemon dill chicken special or unique in Mediterranean cuisine?
The combination of a buttery, creamy sauce with the sharp acidity of lemon and the aromatic freshness of dill creates a balanced palate that highlights the Mediterranean love for bright, herb‑forward flavors while keeping the dish comforting and indulgent.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lemon dill chicken from Em's Kitchen?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry, burning the garlic, and letting the cream sauce boil too vigorously, which can cause curdling. Keep the heat moderate and watch the garlic closely.
Why does this lemon dill chicken recipe use a cream‑based sauce instead of a yogurt‑based one?
Em's Kitchen chose heavy cream to create a richer, silkier texture that coats the chicken fully, offering a luxurious mouthfeel. A yogurt base would be lighter but can curdle more easily if heated too fast.
Can I make lemon dill chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove before serving. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the lemon dill sauce is done?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, have a glossy sheen, and be thick enough to cling to the chicken without pooling. It should not be watery or grainy.
How do I know when the chicken breasts are done cooking in this recipe?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. After searing, a quick 2‑minute warm‑through in the sauce ensures it stays moist.
What does the YouTube channel Em's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Em's Kitchen specializes in approachable, home‑cooked meals that blend classic comfort food with global flavors, focusing on clear step‑by‑step tutorials for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Em's Kitchen's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Em's Kitchen emphasizes quick, pantry‑friendly techniques while still honoring authentic flavor profiles. The host often simplifies traditional recipes with modern shortcuts—like using heavy cream for a richer sauce—making Mediterranean dishes accessible without sacrificing taste.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
