Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

This irresistible Whole30 Marry Me Chicken delivers all the creamy, savory goodness of the classic recipe without any dairy or gluten. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and coconut cream creates a luxurious sauce that transforms simple chicken breasts into a dinner worthy of its romantic name.

I first made this recipe during my initial Whole30 challenge when I was desperately missing creamy comfort food. Now my family requests it regularly, never realizing they're enjoying a completely compliant meal!

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the lean protein foundation that soaks up all the amazing flavors
• Olive or avocado oil: choose high quality oil with a light flavor profile
• Garlic salt: provides seasoning depth with less measuring
• Black pepper: always freshly ground for best flavor
• Minced garlic: use fresh for brighter flavor than powder
• Unsweetened coconut cream: the magic ingredient that creates richness without dairy
• Chicken broth: adds savory depth use homemade for best results
• Nutritional yeast: creates a cheesy flavor without any dairy
• Dried oregano: select Mediterranean oregano for authentic flavor
• Potato or arrowroot starch: the secret to a perfectly thickened sauce
• Sun dried tomatoes: concentrated sweet tomato flavor that defines this dish
• Fresh basil: optional but adds bright color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add chicken breasts and sprinkle with half the garlic salt and all the pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F. Add minced garlic during the final minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The chicken should have a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, remaining garlic salt, and one tablespoon of starch until completely smooth with no lumps. This creates the base for your creamy sauce. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated for even thickening.

Prepare the Sun Dried Tomatoes:

Drain the tomatoes thoroughly and blot excess oil with paper towels. Chop to your preferred size depending on texture preference. Finely chopping works best for picky eaters who might object to larger pieces. Removing excess oil prevents the final dish from becoming greasy.

Combine Everything:

Add the prepared sun dried tomatoes to the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine. Scoop only the solid white part of the chilled coconut cream into the pan, leaving the clear liquid for other uses. Stir until the cream melts completely. Pour in the chicken broth mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the pan.

Thicken the Sauce:

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Watch as the sauce gradually thickens to a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If needed, add additional starch mixed with broth to thicken further, or more broth to thin. Adjust salt to taste before serving.

Serve:

Plate your Whole30 Marry Me Chicken with complementary sides like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma that elevates the final presentation.

Save This

The nutritional yeast is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. I discovered its magic during my first Whole30 when I desperately missed cheese. It adds that umami quality that makes the sauce so satisfying that nobody misses the dairy. My husband actually asked what kind of cheese I used the first time I made it!

Storage and Reheating

This Marry Me Chicken actually improves with time as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce as the starch will cause it to thicken when chilled. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If you cannot find coconut cream, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight and use the solid portion that rises to the top. For those not following Whole30, heavy cream works perfectly. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for juicier results with slightly higher fat content. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can substitute for dried oregano in equal amounts.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own, this Marry Me Chicken shines when served over compliant sides. Try zucchini noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative that soaks up the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus provide textural contrast and nutrition. For non-Whole30 meals, serve over cauliflower gnocchi or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the incredible sauce.

Common Queries

→ What makes this chicken dish Whole30 compatible?

The recipe uses coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and approved starches instead of dairy or processed ingredients, meeting Whole30 guidelines.

→ How can I ensure the sauce thickens properly?

Add starch gradually and simmer until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency, adjusting with more broth or starch as needed.

→ Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?

If desired, omit sun-dried tomatoes or replace them with roasted red peppers for a sweeter, milder flavor.

→ What are good side dishes for this chicken?

Serve with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or steamed broccoli for a complete Whole30 meal.

→ Is there a vegan option for this dish?

Try swapping chicken for sliced mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth, but note the core flavor will change.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed for doneness.