Dairy-Free Marry Me Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup coconut cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon For this Dairy-Free Marry Me Chicken, we need simple, fresh ingredients. I love using chicken breasts because they cook fast and stay juicy. Olive oil helps sear the chicken, giving it a nice crust. Garlic adds a warm, rich flavor that fills the kitchen with a great aroma. Coconut cream is the star of this dish. It gives a creamy texture without dairy. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of flavor that pairs well with the coconut. The dried Italian herbs bring warmth and depth to the sauce. You’ll want to season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch and brighten the dish. A hint of lemon zest gives a fresh kick. It balances the creaminess and enhances the flavors. Gather these ingredients and get ready for a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key. While the oil heats, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Next, in the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want to stir it well to avoid burning. The smell will be amazing! Now, pour in 1 cup of coconut cream. Stir this until it mixes well with the garlic. This creamy base adds a rich flavor. Then, chop 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. Don’t forget to add the zest of 1 lemon for a fresh kick. Let this mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. It will thicken slightly and become fragrant. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the sauce's flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a minute. Then, plate the chicken, covering it with the creamy sauce. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves. This dish not only tastes great but looks beautiful too! To boost flavor, marinate the chicken. Use a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This adds depth and taste. Balancing sweetness is key. The coconut cream can be sweet. Add a pinch of salt and lemon zest to cut this sweetness. This makes a richer sauce. For perfect searing, heat the skillet well before adding chicken. A hot pan gives a nice golden crust. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t rush this step; it builds great flavor. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. The coconut cream thickens as it cooks. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle lemon zest on top. It brightens the overall look. Serve the chicken over rice or pasta. This helps soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Add it just before serving for a burst of freshness. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the delicious coconut cream sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey if you like. Turkey gives a nice flavor and cooks well. If you prefer plant-based options, try using tofu or tempeh. These options can work great in this dish. Remember to adjust the cooking time. Turkey may need a few extra minutes. Tofu cooks quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. Adding some veggies can make your dish heartier. Try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the coconut cream. For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. If you need gluten-free options, check your sun-dried tomatoes. Some brands add gluten. You can also use gluten-free pasta or rice as a side. For those on a low-carb diet, skip the pasta. Serve with a side of sautéed greens or cauliflower rice instead. This keeps it light and tasty. To refrigerate leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh for about three to four days. When ready to eat, check for any change in smell or color before warming it up. For long-term freezing, you can store the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date so you know when to use it. To reheat without drying out, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth for moisture. Cover the skillet to keep the steam in. You can also use a microwave, but cover your dish with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish that many love. It features juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce. The sauce is made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and coconut cream. This dish is said to be so good that it might make someone propose! Traditionally, it uses dairy, but this version is dairy-free. Yes, you can! If you don’t have coconut cream, try these options: - Almond cream - Cashew cream - Soy cream These substitutes will still give you a creamy texture. Each option adds a unique flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Absolutely! This dish is great for kids. The flavors are mild and not too spicy. Here are some tips to make it even better for children: - Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for easy eating. - Serve it with pasta or rice to make it filling. - Pair with veggies or a salad for a balanced meal. Kids will love the creamy sauce and the fun name! This recipe for Marry Me Chicken is a tasty delight. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared ways to mix up the dish using different proteins and sauces. We also covered smart storage methods to keep your leftovers fresh. Remember, you can make this meal your own with flavorful twists. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress everyone at the table. A great dish like this deserves to be shared!$

Dairy-Free Marry Me Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish made with coconut cream and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a romantic dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup coconut cream
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
Pour the coconut cream into the skillet; stir until well combined with the garlic.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and lemon zest. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the breasts. Allow to simmer together for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Once well combined, remove from heat and let it rest for a minute.
Plate the chicken, topping it generously with the coconut cream sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, coconut cream, dairy-free, easy recipe