The kids are clattering plates at the table while a warm, garlicky sauce simmers on the stove and I breathe in that cozy, familiar smell that means we are about to slow down and eat together. It takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where simple food and loud conversation were the main course. If you want a dish that feels like a hug, comes together on a weeknight, and keeps to Whole30 rules, this Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is exactly the kind of dinner that turns ordinary nights into good memories. Learn a little about my kitchen along the way and, if you want to peek behind the blog, you can read more about my kitchen.
Why Whole30 Marry Me Chicken Feels Like Home
This recipe has that slow-turned charm without the slow-cooking time. It gives you creamy, rich flavor from coconut cream rather than dairy, and a bright lift from sun-dried tomatoes and basil. It’s comfort food that respects the Whole30 approach.
I love how it asks for very little fuss. The chicken browns, the sauce whips up in one bowl, and the whole pan becomes a chorus of savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes. It’s the kind of meal that gets my kids to try new things—often they go back for seconds.
Why this matters: it’s dependable, fast, and comforting. It’s a meal you can trust to calm a busy evening. Meanwhile, the sauce clings to the chicken like a little velvet blanket, and the aroma makes people wander in from other rooms to find out what’s cooking.
The Simple Magic Behind Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
This dish works because of a few simple ideas. First, you brown the chicken well. That little bit of color builds deep flavor. Next, you use the solid part of chilled coconut cream to create a luscious texture without dairy. Finally, nutritional yeast and sun-dried tomatoes add umami and tang. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that still fits clean-eating rules.
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become one of our weeknight go-tos. It’s forgiving, fast, and lovely for company. If you want a crisp, light side or a make-ahead salad with it, try this easy chicken salad idea for a quick pairing.
How to Make Whole30 Marry Me Chicken, The Heartwarming Way
“This is where the magic happens—when the aroma fills the kitchen and my kids come running in, asking ‘Is it ready yet?’”
Here’s a quick overview. Brown cubed chicken in a skillet until it has nice color. Mix a simple sauce with chicken broth, nutritional yeast, and a touch of starch. Add chopped, well-blotted sun-dried tomatoes and the solid part of chilled coconut cream. Bring to a simmer until glossy and thick, then adjust thickness as needed and season to taste.
Look for these cues: chicken should have golden-brown edges and feel firm when pressed. The sauce should turn from thin to glossy and cling to the back of a spoon. The color will shift to a warm, creamy hue with little red flecks from the tomatoes. That’s your green light.
Step-by-Step 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, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking, cooking until just fragrant.
Tip: a little browning here builds flavor, just like grandma showed me. -
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.
Keep it smooth and lump-free. This helps the sauce thicken evenly later. -
Drain, blot dry, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. My boys don’t like large chunks of these tomatoes, so I finely chop them, but that’s up to you. But, be sure to blot the oil off well, or your final dish will be oily!
Small tomato pieces melt into the sauce and give pockets of sweet, tangy flavor. -
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine. Then, add ONLY the white solid part of the chilled coconut cream (set aside the opaque liquid, you won’t use it in this recipe – great for smoothies!). Mix until it has melted. Add the chicken broth mixture.
Stir gently so everything comes together. The coconut solids will melt into a velvety texture. -
Bring the sauce to a boil then simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If sauce is not thick enough, combine 1 additional tablespoon starch with 1 additional tablespoon broth, whisking until smooth. If it is too thick, add a 1/4-1/2 cup additional chicken broth. Add to pan, stirring in immediately, and cooking until sauce thickens as desired.
Taste and adjust salt. The sauce should coat the chicken and look glossy. -
Add additional salt to taste then serve your Marry Me Chicken with a side of your favorite veggies or over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice for a complete Whole30 dinner.
Give it a try: set the pan in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
Each step is straightforward, and the tweaks for thickness make it very forgiving. If the kids want to help, let them stir the sun-dried tomatoes in at step three. It’s fun, and they love feeling useful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What goes into this dish is simple and pantry-friendly. Line them up before you start to move faster and with less stress.
- 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)
Friendly notes: don’t skip the fresh herbs; they’re the soul of the dish. If you only have powdered garlic, use it—this is about creativity, not perfection. And if you prefer a milder tomato note, reduce the sun-dried tomato amount by half.
Serving Whole30 Marry Me Chicken with Love
We serve this family-style, right in the skillet when we can. It’s easy and keeps the steam and aromas at the table. Place bowls of steamed cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, and a bright green salad nearby so everyone can pick their favorite sides.
My husband loves spooning more sauce over his rice, while my youngest sprinkles extra basil on hers. Sometimes I tuck tiny roasted carrots into the pan for sweetness. If you like, offer lemon wedges for a bright squeeze on top. The contrast of rich sauce and bright lemon is a quick, joyful lift.
If you want simple shopping or side ideas, I often pair this with Trader Joe’s finds for quick veggies and pantry staples; they save me time on busy evenings and keep things varied. Check these Trader Joe’s meal ideas for inspiration.
Storage & Reheat Tips (Keeping the Goodness)
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce stays creamy, though it will firm up a bit as it cools because of the coconut. Reheat gently.
The microwave is fine for a quick lunch, but the oven or stovetop brings back that just-made warmth. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce and revive its shine. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming to keep texture even.
If you roast larger cuts another night, these storage basics help across dishes. I keep this beef shoulder roast guide in my recipe notes for shifts in the weekly meal plan—same storage logic applies.
My Kitchen Notes & Shortcuts
What I’ve learned from making this again and again:
- Prep the tomatoes ahead. Drain and blot them the night before and store in the fridge so you can move quickly.
- Use the reserved coconut liquid for smoothies instead of tossing it. It’s a nice boost of flavor and fat.
- Double the sauce for make-ahead dinners. It warms well and deepens in flavor the next day.
- Let the kids help with basil tearing and stirring. They love to earn the praise for making dinner taste better.
- If you have a busy day, saute the chicken in the morning and finish the sauce later—simple, flexible planning.
Also, for a sweet finish after a meal like this, our family sometimes reaches for a simple treat. If you want a small dessert idea that feels homemade, try these caramel cheesecake cookies when you’re not on Whole30.
Family-Friendly Variations
Make it your own with small swaps. If your kids prefer softer textures, slice the chicken into thin strips instead of cubes. If you want more color, toss in baby spinach at the end to wilt through the sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper when you cook the garlic.
If you need to lighten the dish further, use less sun-dried tomato or swap half the coconut solids for extra chicken broth. If you want it more decadent, add an extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a richer savory note. Each change tells a little story about your family’s tastes—own it.
FAQs About Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
Can I make this ahead for a busy week?
Absolutely. Making it a day ahead helps the flavors settle and marry. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
Is arrowroot or potato starch necessary?
You can skip it and simmer the sauce longer to reduce, but the starch gives you a glossy finish quickly, which I find makes dinner come together without fuss.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs add more richness and handle a little more cooking without drying. Just watch your cook time—they may need a couple extra minutes to reach doneness.
What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?
Try roasted red peppers or chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil that you blot dry and use less of. The key is a little sweetness and tang to balance the cream.
One Final Thought from My Kitchen
This dish has become a quiet star on our table. It’s reliable, warm, and full of flavor without being complicated. It gives you a chance to slow down, gather everyone, and enjoy a meal that feels both special and simple.
Conclusion
If you want another take on a Whole30-friendly version, I like this approachable version from Whole30 Marry Me Chicken – WholeFoodFor7 for its clear tips and helpful photos. For a slightly different dairy-free twist, this recipe at Whole30 Marry Me Chicken (Paleo, Dairy Free) – 40 Aprons is also a great reference.
Until next time, happy cooking. Give this one a try—you might surprise yourself, and your family might surprise you with how much they enjoy it.
Whole30 Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1" cubes Use fresh for best flavor.
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt Or regular salt, divided.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast Adds umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 tablespoons arrowroot or potato starch Used to thicken the sauce.
- 1 13.66 ounce can full-fat unsweetened canned coconut cream (chilled; solid part only) Set aside liquid for other uses.
- 1 8-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained, blotted dry, and chopped (about a 1/3 cup chopped) Finely chop for kids' preference.
Finishing Touches
- 0.5 ounces fresh basil Optional but recommended.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil) For browning the chicken.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- 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 golden brown and cooked through, adding minced garlic for the last minute of cooking.
Making the Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and only 1 tablespoon of the starch in a medium mixing bowl.
- Drain, blot dry, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan with the chicken.
- Stir in the solid part of the chilled coconut cream and mix until it melts.
- Add the chicken broth mixture and stir gently.
Simmering the Sauce
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Adjust thickness with additional starch or broth as needed, then taste and adjust salt.
- Serve your Marry Me Chicken with a side of veggies or over steamed cauliflower rice.