Herb-Infused Marry Me Chicken with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious coconut cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon finish for a Whole30-compliant weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs avocado oil, minced garlic, full-fat coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and capers, then pour in coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add lemon zest, fresh basil, and fresh parsley. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over chicken. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce is glossy and chicken is heated through, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Marry Me Chicken with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Marry Me Chicken with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Marry Me Chicken with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Infused Marry Me Chicken with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Herb-Infused Marry Me Chicken with Lemon Zest whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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