Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Chicken Thighs with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce is not just a recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the tangy brightness of lemon, the richness of cream, and the aromatic freshness of dill in one mouthwatering dish. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice
- Dill, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic, heavy cream, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if they have skin.
- Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes without moving them, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the chopped dill to the sauce, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon dill sauce over them. Let them simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Serve the chicken thighs hot, drizzled with the creamy lemon dill sauce, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in all the delicious juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Don't rush the searing process – letting the chicken develop a nice crust takes about 6-7 minutes per side and adds incredible depth of flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, use fresh dill instead of dried. The bright, aromatic quality will elevate the entire dish.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or water. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the chicken at its most tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 630kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 165mg
