Lemon-Garlic Marry Me Chicken with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts bathed in a vibrant coconut cream sauce infused with lemon zest, fresh thyme, and garlic, delivering a bright, herbaceous flavor perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs avocado oil, minced garlic cloves, full-fat coconut cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: 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 and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to the skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup coconut cream, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 1/2 cup chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Marry Me Chicken with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Garlic Marry Me Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon-Garlic Marry Me Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon-Garlic Marry Me Chicken with Fresh Herbs 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 Lemon-Garlic Marry Me Chicken with Fresh Herbs 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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