Healthy Marry Me Chicken (DF, Paleo & Whole30)

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This healthy spin on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” is creamy, flavorful, and tastes so indulgent you’d never guess it’s dairy-free. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night in. One taste and it’ll be love at first bite!

What is “Marry Me Chicken”?

If you’re a foodie, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about Marry Me Chicken. This dish with the funny name went viral a few years back and has been popular ever since – and for good reason.

It features juicy chicken cooked in a creamy, dreamy sauce with sundried tomatoes and herbs. And legend has it, it’s so good it could prompt a marriage proposal. 

But this dish isn’t just for date nights. This one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes and is a real crowd-pleaser. Perfect for dinner parties, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a little comfort food.

The only downside? The original Marry Me Chicken includes heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese. All big no-nos if you’re dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or doing Whole30.

That’s where this healthy Marry Me Chicken recipe steps in. It has the same rich, indulgent flavor but contains no dairy whatsoever. Plus, it’s Paleo, low carb, high protein, and Whole30, so just about anyone can enjoy it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dairy-free Marry Me Chicken:

• Chicken – I used chicken thighs in this recipe since they tend to be juicier. But chicken breasts work too! 
• Olive oil – to brown the chicken. 
• Sun-dried tomatoes – the star of this dish! 
• Coconut milk – gives the sauce a creamy texture while keeping this recipe dairy-free.
• Chicken stock – adds flavor to the sauce (vegetable stock also works).
• Tapioca starch – helps thicken the sauce. 
• Lemon juice – adds a tangy zing to the sauce.
• Nutritional yeast – a dairy-free swap for cheese. Gives the sauce a cheesy, nutty flavor and delivers protein and B vitamins. 
• Garlic – adds extra flavor.
• Seasoning – dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Fresh basil – for garnish. Adds a bright flavor and makes the dish look pretty! 

How to Make Healthy Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Chicken – Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Once done cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients – While the chicken is cooking, combine the coconut milk, chicken stock, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, pepper flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or Pyrex measuring cup. Stir and set aside. 

Step 3: Cook the Garlic – Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add a splash of water or broth and deglaze the pan, scraping any brown bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon.  

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce – Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the mixed sauce ingredients along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the sauce to thicken. 

Step 5: Add chicken – Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cream sauce. Allow it to cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. 

Step 6: Serve – Once the chicken is done, you’re ready to serve! Garnish with some chopped fresh basil and serve warm. 

Recipe Tips & Variations

This healthy Marry Me Chicken recipe is delicious as-is. But here are a few tweaks to consider if you’d like to make it your own:

• Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can reduce the chili flakes to a ¼ tsp or omit them altogether. 
• Swap the protein: You can use chicken breasts or tenders instead of chicken thighs, or even rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
• Bake the chicken: If you’re not in a rush and prefer a more hands-off approach, you can bake the chicken thighs instead. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 400°F, and then move on to step 2.
• Make it vegan: If you’re plant-based, you can still enjoy this recipe! Just swap the chicken for some tofu or tempeh. 
• Use the sundried tomato oil: For extra flavor, reserve the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and use it to cook the chicken.

What to Serve Marry Me Chicken With

Just about anything! Marry me chicken is extremely versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with rice, quinoa, or pasta – anything to mop up that delicious sauce!
• With a side of roasted veggies or sauteed greens.
• For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice, cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
• Or serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal (my personal fave 😋). 

If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it went! Drop me a comment below: