Sun-Dried Tomato & Capers Chicken with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold, tangy dish where chicken simmers in a rich coconut cream sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, briny capers, and citrusy lemon zest—ideal for elevating a simple weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, avocado oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 415 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 415 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to the skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and capers, and cook for 2 minutes until flavors meld and tomatoes soften.
  4. Step 4: Pour in coconut cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then return chicken to skillet and cook for 3 minutes until heated through. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Capers Chicken with Lemon Zest 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Capers Chicken with Lemon Zest?

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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Capers Chicken with Lemon Zest?

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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Capers Chicken with Lemon Zest 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Capers Chicken with Lemon Zest 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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