Description
A delicious and creamy seared chicken breast recipe served with a flavorful dill sauce and tender broccoli. This quick and easy skillet meal combines juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts with a rich, lemony cream cheese sauce enhanced by fresh dill and garlic, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese (low-fat works)
- 1 lemon, juice and zest of
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- Lemon slices or wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper on all sides to ensure flavor penetrates the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the pressed garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Then whisk in the cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Broccoli and Dill: Stir in the fresh minced dill and broccoli florets. Lower the heat to low and cook until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy dill sauce and broccoli over the top for full coating. Garnish with lemon slices or wedges and serve warm.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Low-fat cream cheese can be used to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Feel free to substitute fresh dill with dried dill in a pinch, but reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
- Make sure not to overcook broccoli to retain its bright color and crunch.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
