Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Cream Chicken
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a luxurious coconut cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and fresh herbs for an elegant weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30, dairy free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, coconut oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 512 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
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp capers
- 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tbsp capers. Cook 1 minute until tomatoes soften.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz full-fat coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine. Add 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme and 1 tsp lemon zest, then return chicken to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with steamed broccoli.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Cream Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Coconut Cream 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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Cream 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Cream 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Cream Chicken 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.