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To make Paleo Lemon Dill Chicken, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each one adds great flavor and nutrition. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a hint of smokiness) This list keeps the recipe healthy and clean, perfect for a Paleo diet. The chicken is lean and full of protein. The lemon juice and zest give it a bright, zesty taste. Fresh dill adds a fresh flavor. Garlic brings in a nice aroma. The olive oil keeps the chicken moist while cooking. Using sea salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste. If you like a bit of smokiness, adding paprika is a great choice. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both tasty and easy to prepare. This recipe highlights the beauty of fresh, simple cooking. Enjoy the process of making this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your marinade ingredients. You will need olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika if you want some smokiness. In a large mixing bowl, whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. Marination is key to flavor. The chicken needs at least 30 minutes in the marinade. For the best taste, let it sit for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge. This time allows the chicken to soak up all the zesty flavors. Next, preheat your grill or non-stick skillet. Set it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, lightly oil the grates to stop the chicken from sticking. Once the grill or skillet is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let the extra marinade drip off, but save it for basting later. Place the chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Look for nice grill marks to know it’s cooking well. For extra flavor, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This gives it a nice, shiny coating. When the chicken is done, take it off the heat. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices settle back into the meat. After resting, slice the chicken for serving. Enjoy it with a light salad or some steamed veggies for a full Paleo meal! To boost the taste of your Paleo Lemon Dill Chicken, try adding more seasonings. You could use a pinch of cayenne for heat or add a dash of cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs make a big difference, too. They brighten up dishes and add layers of flavor. Always choose fresh dill when you can. It provides a crisp, vibrant taste that dried herbs can’t match. When cooking chicken, you have two great options: grilling or skillet cooking. Both methods work well, but they have their pros. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Keep your grill hot and pre-oiled to avoid sticking. If you use a skillet, opt for a non-stick one over medium-high heat. This gives you juicy chicken with a golden crust. For tools, a good meat thermometer is key. It helps you know when your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). A whisk is handy for mixing the marinade well, too. Prepare a basting brush to apply the marinade for extra flavor as your chicken cooks. These simple tools make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight, to fully absorb the zesty flavors of the lemon and dill. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Grilling vs. Searing: Grilling imparts a smoky flavor, while searing in a skillet gives a nice crust. Choose based on your preference or try both methods! Rest Your Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey holds up well and tastes great. Tofu is a fantastic option for a plant-based meal. Both choices absorb the lemon and dill flavors nicely. You can also change the herbs. If you want a twist, try thyme or rosemary. Thyme adds a warm, earthy taste, while rosemary gives a fresh, pine-like flavor. These herbs can give your dish a new life. You can bake or broil the chicken instead of grilling. Just preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature, and it should reach 165°F (75°C). For broiling, put the chicken on a broiler pan. Broil for about 5-6 minutes on each side. This method gives you a nice char and keeps the chicken juicy. You can also use a slow cooker. Simply place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and packed with flavor. After cooking, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag. This way, it stays safe from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat your chicken, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just make sure to cover it to avoid drying out. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. This ensures it’s safe to eat again. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. The ingredients include chicken, olive oil, and herbs, all of which are naturally free from gluten. This makes it perfect for those following a paleo diet. You can enjoy this dish without worry about gluten. This recipe is already dairy-free. It does not include any dairy products. The olive oil and fresh herbs provide richness and flavor without dairy. You can serve it with your favorite sides and still keep it dairy-free. You can pair this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli or green beans for a crunchy vibe - Roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet touch - Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option These sides complement the lemon dill chicken well and fit within a paleo meal plan. Enjoy! In this blog post, we explored a simple and tasty recipe for Paleo Lemon Dill Chicken. We covered the key ingredients, marinating techniques, cooking tips, and ways to enhance flavors. We also looked at ingredient swaps, cooking methods, and important storage information. Remember, cooking is fun, and this dish is easy to adapt. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cooking styles. Enjoy your meal and share it with family and friends!

Zesty Paleo Lemon Dill Chicken

A flavorful and healthy chicken dish marinated in lemon and dill, perfect for a Paleo diet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Paleo
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pieces lemons, juiced
  • 1 piece lemon, zested
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dill, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for 2-4 hours to enhance flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting later.
  • Place the chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and there are nice grill marks.
  • During the last couple of minutes of cooking, brush some of the reserved marinade on the chicken for extra flavor.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy finish.
  • Serve the chicken with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a full Paleo meal.

Notes

Marinating for 2-4 hours enhances flavor.
Keyword chicken, dill, grilled, lemon, paleo