Zesty Grilled Chicken with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce: A Fresh and Elegant Dish

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Imagine a dish that combines the bright, tangy flavors of lemon with the delicate, aromatic essence of fresh dill – this Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Dill Cream Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that transforms a simple chicken recipe into a restaurant-worthy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cooking game.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 600 g / 1.3 lbs chicken fillets
  • 1 lemon (juice + slices)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 200 ml / 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon mild mustard (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Butter (optional, for finishing)

Serving Suggestions:

  • Rice
  • Fresh pasta
  • Roasted potatoes

Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Cut chicken fillets into uniform chunks or strips.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Drizzle with lemon juice.
  4. Let marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Lemon Dill Cream Sauce

  1. In the same pan, add a touch of oil or butter if needed.
  2. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and mild mustard.
  4. Add remaining lemon juice and lemon slices.
  5. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes to reduce and develop flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

  1. Return grilled chicken to the sauce.
  2. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh dill.
  3. Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutritional Highlights and Health Benefits

This Grilled Chicken with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce offers numerous health advantages:

  • Lean protein from chicken supports muscle health
  • Lemon provides vitamin C and aids digestion
  • Dill offers antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties
  • Low-carb option with versatile serving suggestions

Cooking Details

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Pro Tips and Variations

Time-Saving Hack

Prepare and marinate chicken in advance to enhance tenderness and speed up cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • No dill? Replace with chives or flat-leaf parsley
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter sauce
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The bright lemon, creamy sauce, and aromatic dill create a harmonious flavor profile that transforms ordinary grilled chicken into an extraordinary meal. Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a versatile recipe that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with extra fresh dill and a slice of lemon. Pair with a crisp white wine for a complete dining experience.