Mediterranean Capers & Olives Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Elegant chicken breasts baked with briny capers, pitted olives, and fresh dill in a lemony coconut cream sauce, offering a sophisticated Whole30 meal that's quick and full of bold Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy-free) ready in about 32 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, drained capers into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (5 oz each), pounded to 3/4-inch thickness boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, drained capers
- 1/2 cup, halved pitted kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to skillet and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp drained capers, 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, then return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Capers & Olives Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Capers & Olives Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Capers & Olives Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
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 Mediterranean Capers & Olives Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Mediterranean Capers & Olives Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
