Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Chicken
A vibrant, sweet-and-savory Whole30 chicken dish featuring roasted red peppers, coconut milk, and a hint of smoked paprika for a unique twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken. This american-inspired chicken (dairy-free, whole30) ready in about 40 minutes pairs avocado oil, drained capers, (full-fat, canned) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 (6 oz each, boneless and skinless) chicken breasts
- 1 large, roasted and chopped (about 1 cup) red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup (packed in oil, drained and chopped) sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, drained capers
- 1/2 cup (full-fat, canned) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (from top of canned coconut milk) coconut cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 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.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to skillet, and sauté 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup drained capers for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup coconut cream, and 1 tbsp lemon juice, bringing to a gentle simmer and cooking for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, coating each piece in sauce, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh basil and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Chicken?
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 Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Chicken?
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 Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Chicken 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 Roasted Red Pepper Coconut Chicken dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, 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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.