Delicious Whole30 Marry Me Chicken cooked with herbs and served on a plate

Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal without giving up healthy eating. Plus, it’s made with simple, Whole30 approved ingredients that make it a great option for those following the program. This dish is sure to impress, and the best part? It’s easy to make!

How to Make Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 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 1/3 cup chopped))
  • 0.5 ounces fresh basil (Optional but recommended)

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breasts and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking, stirring until just fragrant.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and only 1 tablespoon of the starch.
  4. Drain, blot dry, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Finely chop them if you prefer smaller pieces, and make sure to blot off the oil well.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, add the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine.
  6. Then, add ONLY the white solid part of the chilled coconut cream (set aside the opaque liquid for other uses). Mix until it has melted.
  7. Add the chicken broth mixture to the pan. Bring the sauce to a boil, then simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. If the sauce is not thick enough, combine 1 additional tablespoon starch with 1 additional tablespoon broth, whisking until smooth. If it is too thick, add 1/4-1/2 cup additional chicken broth and stir in immediately until it thickens as desired.
  9. Add additional salt to taste, then serve your Marry Me Chicken with a side of your favorite veggies or over steamed cauliflower rice for a complete Whole30 dinner.

How to Serve Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is delicious served over a bed of cauliflower rice, which complements the creamy sauce well. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. Garnish with fresh basil for an added burst of flavor.

How to Store Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

To store any leftovers, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.

Tips to Make Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

  • Make sure to use chilled coconut cream to ensure the sauce is creamy and not too watery.
  • If you like your sauce thicker, don’t hesitate to add more starch as needed.
  • Feel free to experiment with adding different vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by using different proteins such as turkey or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Adding different herbs like thyme or parsley can also give a new twist to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

2. Is the coconut cream necessary for the sauce?
Yes, the coconut cream adds creaminess and flavor. However, you can try using cashew cream as an alternative if you’re looking for something different.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently when ready to serve.