Creamy Dill Chicken Thighs

Ingredients For Creamy Dill Chicken Thighs

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2.5 lbs)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried dill)

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp lemon juice (plus zest if desired)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 1. Sear the Chicken

  • Pat chicken thighs dry and season well with salt and pepper.

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter.

  • Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

  • Remove chicken and set aside.

 2. Build the Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 3 minutes until translucent.

  • Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

 3. Simmer & Combine

  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits (fond).

  • Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.

  • Add cream and stir gently. Let simmer another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

 4. Finish the Dish

  • Add fresh dill and return chicken to the skillet.

  • Spoon sauce over chicken, lower heat, and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).

  • Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for crispier skin before serving.

 5. Serve

  • Garnish with extra dill or lemon zest and serve hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Don’t skip searing! It locks in flavor and gives a nice texture.

  • Cream too thick? Add a splash of broth to loosen it.

  • No fresh dill? Use 2 tsp dried dill weed, added with the broth.

  • Extra tang: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end (off heat).

  • Best sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread.

Serving Size

  • Serves: 4 people

  • Serving: 1–2 thighs per person with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Based on 1 of 4 servings using bone-in, skin-on thighs and heavy cream

Nutrient Amount
Calories 470
Protein 34g
Fat 36g
Saturated Fat 16g
Carbohydrates 5g
Sugar 2g
Fiber 0.5g
Sodium 420mg

Health Benefits

  • Protein-Packed: Great for muscle recovery and satiety.

  • Dill: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

  • Cream Sauce: Can be modified to be lighter or dairy-free.

  • Low Carb Friendly: Works great for keto and low-carb meals.

 Q&A Section

❓ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

✅ Yes! Just reduce the cooking time by 2–3 minutes.

❓ Is there a dairy-free version?

✅ Absolutely. Substitute:

  • Coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream

  • Olive oil only (skip butter)

❓ What vegetables go well in the sauce?

✅ Try: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even peas.

❓ Can I make it ahead?

✅ Yes. Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

❓ Can I freeze it?

⚠️ Not ideal. Creamy sauces tend to split when frozen and reheated.

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