Skip the cutlets, keep the magic! This modern twist on the viral sensation takes just 15 minutes to prepare and delivers all the swoon-worthy flavors in perfect bite-sized pieces. It’s the ultimate “let’s move in together” dinner that says “I get you” – because who has time for knife work at the dinner table?
Why This Version Of Bite-Sized Marry Me Chicken Will Make Hearts Flutter
Traditional Marry Me Chicken relies heavily on cream and cheese for its signature richness.
Our version revolutionizes the classic by using coconut cream and dairy-free alternatives that create an equally luxurious sauce.
The bite-sized format remains, ensuring quick cooking and perfect sauce-to-chicken ratio in every forkful.
Choose Your Marry Me Chicken Recipe Preferences
Make With Regular Chicken | Make Using Boneless & Skinless Chicken
Affiliate Disclosure: Kitchen tools and ingredients mentioned in this post have been carefully selected based on years of professional experience. Some links above and within the article are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Rest assured, I only suggest or recommend kitchen essentials or things I use and trust in my own kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs of pure, unadulterated chicken breast, transformed into perfect 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dairy-free butter (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste (check label for allergens)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Dairy-Free Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (ensure it’s gluten-free certified)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut cream (from a can, not coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto (homemade without cheese – recipe below)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (for thickening)
Quick Sun-dried Tomato Pesto:
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- Fresh chives, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Additional fresh thyme
Instructions To Make Gluten Free Bite-Sized Marry Me Chicken Under 25 Minutes
Step 1: Prep Your Mise
Blend pesto ingredients in a food processor until smooth and then cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
Next up, mince garlic and shallot followed by measuring the remaining ingredients (Have rice cooking simultaneously).
Step 2: Create the Magic
- Warm a blend of olive oil and dairy-free butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat followed by generously coating the chicken cubes with salt and pepper for bold flavor.
- Add chicken to the hot pan in a single layer
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning pieces halfway through
- Add garlic, shallot, Calabrian chili paste, and thyme
- Cook for another minute until fragrant
Step 3: Make It Saucy
Add chicken broth, making sure to deglaze the pan by scraping up all those flavorful browned bits.
Next, whisk tapioca starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Now add coconut cream and tapioca mixture to the pan followed by stirring in sun-dried tomato pesto, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika. Stir in lemon zest and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to perfection.
Step 3: Serve with Style
Plate over hot rice or cauliflower rice and garnish generously with fresh chives.
Next, sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and add fresh thyme leaves.
Plate it up right away, ensuring the sauce stays glossy and irresistibly hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Coconut Cream Secret: Refrigerate the can overnight and use only the solid cream that rises to the top for the richest sauce.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute.
- Nutritional Yeast Power: Don’t skip this ingredient – it provides the umami and “cheesy” flavor that makes this dairy-free version so satisfying.
- Temperature Matters: Room temperature coconut cream will incorporate more smoothly than cold.
Allergy Notes
- Always check labels on store-bought ingredients, especially chicken broth and Calabrian chili paste
- This recipe is free from:
- Dairy (milk, cream, cheese)
- Gluten
- Soy (when using specified brands)
- Cross-contamination warning: If cooking for someone with severe allergies, ensure all utensils and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dedicated to allergen-free cooking
Final Thoughts
The allergy-friendly adaptation of this chicken recipe proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on flavor or elegance.
The combination of coconut cream and nutritional yeast creates a sauce that’s every bit as rich and satisfying as the dairy-based original.
The bite-sized format ensures quick, even cooking, while the homemade sun-dried tomato pesto adds depth without any hidden allergens.
The result is an inclusive dish that’s perfect for mixed dietary households or anyone exploring dairy-free options.
It’s equally impressive for a special date night or a cozy weekday dinner, ready in less time than it takes to decide where to order takeout.
Note: While I can’t guarantee this dish will lead to a proposal, I can promise it will show your loved ones that caring about their dietary needs is the ultimate expression of love.
