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Chicken in a creamy tomato coconut sauce over pasta

Gluten-Free Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken

Sarahputsimply
This Gluten Free Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, comforting, kid-friendly dinner made with tender pan-fried chicken simmered in a rich coconut cream sauce. Served over rice pasta, it’s an easy family favorite made with simple, real ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 261 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Dredge
  • 2 pounds chicken breast cubed into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup 1:1 gluten free flour
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Redmond Real Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Sauce
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 15 oz can coconut cream (not coconut milk)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • For Cooking & Serving
  • Avocado oil for pan frying
  • Gluten free rice pasta
  • Steamed broccoli or a garden salad

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the gluten free flour, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the cubed chicken and toss until each piece is lightly coated.
  • This light dredge helps create golden edges on the chicken while also thickening the sauce later on.
  • Step 2: Pan Fry Until Golden
  • Heat about 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, pan fry the chicken pieces until they develop golden brown edges on both sides.
  • The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage—just nicely browned. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a baking tray. Set aside in the oven at 170°F, until sauce is complete.
  • Step 3: Make the Sauce in the Same Pan
  • Using the same pan (do not wipe it out—those browned bits add flavor), add the diced onion. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Next, add the coconut cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and allow the sauce to come together over medium-low heat.
  • Step 4: Cook the Pasta & Finish the Chicken
  • While the sauce simmers, cook your rice pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Add the chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle bubble and allow the chicken to finish cooking in the sauce for 5–8 minutes, until tender and fully cooked through.
  • Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
  • Serve the chicken and sauce generously spooned over rice pasta. Pair with steamed broccoli or a crisp garden salad for a balanced, nourishing meal.

Notes

Tips for the Best Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken

  • Use coconut cream, not coconut milk – This ensures a thick, rich sauce.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken—this helps achieve golden edges.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end after the sauce has simmered.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 35gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 706mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 283IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
Keyword dairy free marry me chicken, gluten free marry me chicken
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