Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon & Olives
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant coconut milk sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs full-fat canned coconut milk, packed and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup, full-fat canned coconut milk
- 3 tbsp, packed and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, pitted Kalamata olives
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 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 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 (165°F internal temperature), then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to the skillet, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in coconut milk and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives, then simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in sauce. Simmer uncovered for 4 minutes until sauce clings to the chicken, then sprinkle with fresh oregano.
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 & Olives 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 Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon & Olives?
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 full-fat canned coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Lemon & Olives?
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 & Olives 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 & Olives 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
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.