Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon-Olive Sauce
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant lemon-infused coconut cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. A bright, herbaceous dinner ready in 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30, mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic 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 320 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 (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut cream and 2 tbsp lemon juice, scraping up browned bits; simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, add 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives and 1 tsp chopped rosemary; simmer gently for 4 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon-Olive Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon-Olive 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon-Olive 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon-Olive 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon-Olive Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.