why make this recipe
Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that is full of flavor while also being compliant with the Whole30 program. This recipe combines juicy chicken with a creamy coconut sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal that is both satisfying and healthy. It can be a great dish to impress your family or friends and might just make someone fall in love with your cooking!
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 a 1/3 cup chopped))
- 0.5 ounces fresh basil (Optional but recommended)
Directions :
- 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, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking, cooking until just fragrant.
- While the chicken cooks, make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and only 1 tablespoon of the starch.
- Drain, blot dry, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. If you prefer smaller pieces, finely chop them.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine. Then, add ONLY the white solid part of the chilled coconut cream (set aside the liquid for smoothies). Mix until it melts, and then add the chicken broth mixture.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is not thick enough, combine 1 additional tablespoon starch with 1 additional tablespoon broth and whisk until smooth. If it is too thick, add a 1/4-1/2 cup additional chicken broth, stirring until it thickens as desired.
- Add additional salt to taste. Serve your Marry Me Chicken with your favorite veggies or over cauliflower rice for a complete Whole30 dinner.
how to serve Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
You can serve Whole30 Marry Me Chicken hot right out of the pan. It pairs well with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. For a pop of freshness, consider tossing some chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
how to store Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month.
tips to make Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
- Make sure to blot the sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oil in your dish.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce based on your preference by adding more or less broth.
- If you want a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
variation (if any)
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or kale to the sauce for extra nutrition. If you prefer a different protein, shrimp or tofu can work well in place of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cream instead of coconut cream?
No, the coconut cream gives this recipe its unique flavor and creamy texture. However, you can use dairy-free alternatives if needed.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is great for meal prep. You can make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but be sure to cook them down a bit longer to enhance the flavor and remove excess moisture.
4. Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu as alternatives in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.