If there’s one dish guaranteed to charm everyone at the table, it’s Whole30 Marry Me Chicken. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, dairy-free sauce, studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil. This dish brings together bold flavors and creamy texture while keeping everything grain and dairy free—making it perfect for satisfying cravings during Whole30 or anytime you want a meal that feels both wholesome and a little bit fancy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Whole30 Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Whole30 Marry Me Chicken lies in how a handful of straightforward ingredients can yield such extraordinary results. Each component adds something unique, from velvety richness to herby warmth, so don’t skip out—this combination is where the magic happens!

Olive oil or avocado oil: Essential for creating a golden, flavorful sear on the chicken breasts.

Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star of the show, turning succulent and tender with a quick pan cook.
Garlic salt or salt: Adds the foundation of savory flavor to every bite; adjust to taste.

Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balances the richness of the sauce.
Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth—add at the end of searing so it doesn’t burn!

Full-fat unsweetened canned coconut cream (chilled): Use the thick, solid part for ultra-creamy sauce without dairy.
Chicken broth: Helps create a silky texture and develops layers of flavor in the sauce.
Nutritional yeast: Gives a savory, cheesy vibe, keeping the sauce rich while staying compliant.

Dried oregano: Brings Italian flavor and herby brightness to the dish.
Arrowroot or potato starch: Natural thickeners for the sauce; keep sauce luscious and glossy.
Sun-dried tomatoes (drained, blotted, and chopped): Little bursts of tangy sweetness that make this recipe “pop.”

Fresh basil (optional but recommended): The perfect fresh finish—adds color and a hint of peppery bite.

How to Make Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sprinkle with half the garlic salt and all the black pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes so it develops a golden crust and cooks through—this step is key for flavor! Just before the chicken finishes, pile in the minced garlic and stir for a minute until it smells incredible, but don’t let it scorch.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Base

While your kitchen is filling with delicious aromas, combine the chicken broth, nutritional yeast, oregano, the rest of your garlic salt, and one tablespoon of your chosen starch in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until it’s completely smooth with no lumps—this will ensure your sauce is velvety, not gritty.

Step 3: Prep the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Open your can of sun-dried tomatoes, drain away the oil, and blot the tomatoes thoroughly with paper towels. Too much oil will make the dish greasy, so this step is worth a little extra care! Chop the tomatoes as finely as you like—they bring chewy sweetness and tang, so size them to your preferences.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the sun-dried tomatoes to your pan of cooked chicken and stir to mingle the flavors. Next, scoop out only the thick, white part from the chilled coconut cream can—skip the thin liquid underneath. Add this to the pan, stirring until it melts into a luscious pool. Pour in your prepared broth mixture and blend it all together.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Raise the heat and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If your sauce needs to be thicker, mix another tablespoon of starch with a tablespoon of broth, then whisk in. If it’s too thick, loosen it with extra broth. Taste for salt and adjust until every spoonful is just right!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is ready to shine! Serve it piping hot, scattered with ribbons of fresh basil if you like, and don’t be surprised if everyone insists on seconds (or asks for the recipe immediately).

How to Serve Whole30 Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle your Whole30 Marry Me Chicken with freshly chopped basil, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a handful of crisp microgreens. These touches add brightness and a pop of vibrant color, making the dish as stunning as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

This crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with a bed of steamed cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, or roasted asparagus. Want that extra dash of cozy? Heap the chicken and sauce over fluffy mashed potatoes (Whole30 compliant, of course) or simple zucchini noodles for even more veggie goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Whole30 Marry Me Chicken into the star of a dinner party by presenting it family-style in a large skillet, garnished with plenty of basil and sun-dried tomato bits. Or, slice the chicken and layer it in bowls with greens, sauce, and veggies for meal-prep magic all week long. Feel like a chef by serving individual portions with a drizzle of sauce and a delicate basil swirl on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is a fabulous treat for tomorrow’s lunch! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors actually deepen overnight, making every reheat taste even better.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, keeping portions separated for easy reheating. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture—coconut cream sauces may separate slightly when thawed, but a quick stir will bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce seems too thick. Cover and heat until warmed through, stirring now and then to ensure an even temperature. Avoid microwaving from frozen for best results—the stovetop keeps the sauce silkiest!

FAQs

Is Whole30 Marry Me Chicken really Whole30-compliant?

Absolutely! Every ingredient in this recipe is Whole30 friendly—from the coconut cream to the sun-dried tomatoes and nutritional yeast. Just be sure your canned goods and broths don’t have any sneaky additives or sugars.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious in Whole30 Marry Me Chicken. They’ll add a little extra richness and stay super juicy—simply adjust the cook time as needed.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

This recipe uses arrowroot or potato starch, both of which are Whole30 approved. Mix them with a little cold broth before adding to the hot sauce, and it’ll thicken beautifully without any clumps or graininess.

Can I make Whole30 Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the recipe as written, let it cool, and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove, adding a bit more broth if needed to keep that sauce velvety.

What if I can’t find coconut cream?

No worries! You can use the thick, solid part at the top of a good-quality full-fat canned coconut milk, chilled overnight. Just drain off the liquid you don’t need, and proceed as you would with coconut cream.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to make healthy food deliciously craveable, Whole30 Marry Me Chicken is the recipe that delivers pure satisfaction every time. Give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you, and your family might just ask for it on repeat!