Marry Me Chicken
Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. This creamy, hearty recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also a celebration of wholesome ingredients that align perfectly with the Whole30 diet. With tender chicken, a luscious coconut cream sauce, and the delightful zing of sun-dried tomatoes, this meal has the potential to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a cozy family night, this dish offers unparalleled comfort and taste.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Whole30 Marry Me Chicken truly special is its incredible flavor profile combined with its health-conscious ingredients. This recipe is not only simple to whip up but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it can easily fit into a busy schedule without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s kid-approved, so you won’t have to worry about picky eaters leaving their plates untouched.
"This dish is a game changer! My family couldn’t get enough, and I love that it’s Whole30 compliant!" – Happy Home Chef
Preparing Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
Making Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple steps. You’ll be sautéing tender chicken cubes, making a creamy sauce from coconut cream, chicken broth, and nutritional yeast, and bringing it all together to create a comforting dish. You’ll appreciate the ease with which it comes together and the minimal cleanup. Let’s dive into the ingredients.
What you’ll need
Here’s a quick list of the key ingredients for this delightful dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1" cubes)
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt (or salt, divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 13.66-ounce can full-fat unsweetened canned coconut cream (chilled; solid part only)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 tablespoons arrowroot or potato starch
- 1 8-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained, blotted dry, and chopped (about a 1/3 cup chopped))
- 0.5 ounces fresh basil (Optional but recommended)
Feel free to substitute avocado oil for olive oil if you prefer, and remember to use the solid part of the coconut cream for the creamiest sauce!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breasts and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of the starch.
- Drain, blot dry, and finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring they are well-dried to prevent oiliness in the final dish.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine.
- Add only the white solid part of the chilled coconut cream (set aside the liquid for smoothies).
- Mix well until it melts, then add the chicken broth mixture.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth; if not thick enough, mix an additional tablespoon of starch with broth and add it.
- Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Serve your Marry Me Chicken with your favorite veggies or over steamed cauliflower rice.
Best ways to enjoy it
Whole30 Marry Me Chicken shines when plated beautifully! Consider pairing it with steamed green beans or a fresh arugula salad for a balanced meal. You might also try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes. Garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Storing leftovers is easy! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in portion sizes for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure to use full-fat coconut cream for a creamy sauce; light versions won’t yield the same richness.
- If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the amount or substitute with garlic powder.
- Be mindful of how you chop the sun-dried tomatoes; small pieces will integrate better into the dish.
- If you’re looking for added texture, consider sautéing some chopped spinach into the dish just before serving.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some slices alongside the chicken. For a herby note, you could swap in fresh oregano or thyme instead of dried.
Your questions answered
What is Whole30 Marry Me Chicken?
Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is a healthy, creamy chicken dish that adheres to the Whole30 diet guidelines. It features chicken breast simmered in a coconut cream-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
How long does it take to cook?
The total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight dinner option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Whole30 Marry Me Chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop.
With these helpful tips and insights, you’re set to whip up a delicious Whole30 Marry Me Chicken that will impress your family and friends alike. Happy cooking!
Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil) Substitute avocado oil if desired.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1" cubes) Use tender chicken cubes for the best texture.
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt (or salt, divided) Use divided for flavor adjustment.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust based on taste preference.
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic Add towards the end of chicken cooking.
For the Sauce
- 1 13.66-ounce can full-fat unsweetened canned coconut cream (chilled; solid part only) Use only the solid part for the creamiest sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth Additional may be added if sauce is too thick.
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast For a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Herbs can be substituted for freshness.
- 1-2 tablespoons arrowroot or potato starch Use for thickening the sauce.
- 1 8-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained, blotted dry, and chopped) Use about 1/3 cup chopped.
- 0.5 ounces fresh basil Optional but enhances flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken breasts and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper; cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of the starch.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring they are well-dried to prevent oiliness in the final dish.
Combining and Simmering
- Once chicken is cooked, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and stir.
- Add the solid part of the chilled coconut cream and mix until melted.
- Add the chicken broth mixture to the pan, bring sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Adjust consistency by adding broth or starch as needed; taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Serving
- Serve Whole30 Marry Me Chicken with your favorite veggies or over steamed cauliflower rice.
