Some recipes carry names that make you smile, and Marry Me Chicken is one of them. This beloved dish earned its title because it’s so good, it just might make someone want to propose after the first bite! My Whole30 version keeps all the rich, savory flavors of the classic but transforms it into a wholesome, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly skillet dinner. With tender chicken, a velvety coconut cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this meal is every bit as indulgent while fitting beautifully into your healthy lifestyle. Best of all? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick & easy: A satisfying one-pan dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
- Dairy-free creaminess: Coconut cream creates a luscious sauce without any milk or cheese.
- Wholesome & healthy: Whole30, paleo, keto, gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free—perfect for all dietary needs.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love the savory, creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- Meal prep ready: Stores well and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or busy nights.
- Special yet simple: Elegant enough for date night but easy enough for weeknights.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt (or salt, divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 13 oz full-fat unsweetened canned coconut cream (chilled, solid part only)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1–2 tablespoons arrowroot or potato starch (for thickening)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained, blotted, and chopped
- ½ oz fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking until fragrant.
- Make the sauce In a bowl, whisk together coconut cream (solid part only), chicken broth, nutritional yeast, oregano, and starch until smooth.
- Prep the sun-dried tomatoes Blot excess oil and chop sun-dried tomatoes. This keeps the sauce creamy and not greasy.
- Combine & simmer Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with chicken. Stir in the sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Finish & serve Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with roasted vegetables.
Variations to Try
- Extra creamy: Add an extra spoonful of coconut cream for a richer sauce.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Protein swap: Use chicken thighs or turkey breast for variety.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Always use the solid portion of chilled coconut cream for the creamiest texture.
- Blot sun-dried tomatoes well to prevent excess oiliness in the sauce.
- Arrowroot starch thickens quickly—add gradually to avoid clumping.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge and taste even better as flavors meld.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 981mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?
A: Coconut milk will make the sauce too thin. Always use chilled coconut cream for the best creamy consistency. - Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat gently before serving. Add fresh basil right before serving for the best flavor. - Q: What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
A: Cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or even mashed potatoes if not on Whole30. - Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! With low carbs and high protein, it’s perfect for keto as well as Whole30 and paleo.
Final Thoughts
This Whole30 Marry Me Chicken proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring. Creamy, flavorful, and done in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re following Whole30, paleo, or keto—or just want a comforting, better-for-you dinner—this dish is a keeper. Save this recipe to your Easy Dinners board so it’s ready when you need it most!
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Whole30 Marry Me Chicken – Creamy, Healthy & Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor—all in just 30 minutes! Made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious coconut cream sauce, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and totally family-approved.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt (or salt, divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 13 oz full-fat unsweetened canned coconut cream (chilled, solid part only)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1–2 tablespoons arrowroot or potato starch (for thickening)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained, blotted, and chopped
- ½ oz fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking until fragrant.
Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together coconut cream (solid part only), chicken broth, nutritional yeast, oregano, and starch until smooth.
Prep the sun-dried tomatoes
Blot excess oil and chop sun-dried tomatoes. This keeps the sauce creamy and not greasy.
Combine & simmer
Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with chicken. Stir in the sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
Blot sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oiliness. Always use the solid part of chilled coconut cream for the richest sauce. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 981mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Keywords: whole30 chicken, marry me chicken, dairy free dinner, paleo chicken recipe, keto chicken skillet