Ingredients
Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 medium head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
Creamy Dill Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
3–4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese (regular or low-fat)
1 lemon, juice and zest
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
Optional Garnish
Lemon slices or wedges
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, loosely covered to keep warm.
3. Cook the garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits.
5. Make the creamy sauce
Add the cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Add vegetables and herbs
Stir in the broccoli florets and chopped dill. Reduce the heat to low and allow the broccoli to cook until tender but still slightly crisp.
7. Finish the dish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy dill sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until heated through.
8. Serve
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable options
Broccoli works well in this recipe, but you can easily substitute other vegetables such as green beans, zucchini, asparagus, or spinach. - Chicken alternatives
Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They will add a slightly richer flavor and remain very juicy. - Dairy-free option
For a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese with unsweetened canned coconut cream. - Sauce consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth and stir until it reaches the desired texture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min