When I had to cut dairy from my diet, I thought creamy dishes were off-limits—until I found this dairy-free cream chicken recipe! It delivers the rich, velvety texture I love without a drop of cream or butter. For more delicious dairy-free meals, try our chicken pasta, creamy chicken with spinach, or white chicken chili.

This dairy-free cream chicken features tender chicken breasts in a luscious coconut milk sauce so rich and satisfying, you won’t miss the dairy. Aromatic shallots, garlic, and black pepper add depth, making this dish truly special. It’s my go-to for a comforting yet healthy meal. For more creamy favorites, try our Marry Me chicken crock pot, slow cooker Marry Me chicken, or dairy-free chicken sauce.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will impress everyone at your table—whether they avoid dairy or not! The sauce is so good you'll want to lick your plate clean (I won't judge!).

What You'll Love About This Recipe

It delivers all the creamy comfort you crave without any dairy products—perfect for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen
The sauce is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to create countless variations

Recipe Ingredients

This dairy free cream chicken comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that create maximum flavor:

Chicken breasts
Avocado oil
Shallot
Garlic
Black pepper
Chicken broth
Full-fat coconut milk
Arrowroot starch
Fresh parsley

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Full-fat coconut milk is essential for the creamiest texture. Light coconut milk won't give you the same rich, velvety results. Make sure to give the can a good shake before opening to incorporate the cream that separates at the top.
Arrowroot starch is my preferred thickener for dairy-free cooking as it creates a silky smooth sauce without the sometimes gluey texture that cornstarch can create. It also maintains its thickening power even when mixed with acidic ingredients.
Shallots provide a milder, more elegant flavor than regular onions. They caramelize beautifully and add a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the coconut milk.

How to Make Dairy Free Cream Chicken

For the complete recipe with exact measurements and detailed instructions, see the printable recipe card below. Here's a quick overview of how to prepare this delicious dairy free cream chicken:

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides
Sear chicken in avocado oil until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side

Add your chicken to the skillet and sear

Remove chicken and set aside
Sauté shallot and garlic in the same pan until softened

Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits
Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer
Return chicken to the pan, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through

make a slurry mixture by whisking the arrowroot starch

Mix arrowroot starch with water to create a slurry
Whisk slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot

Pro Tips

For the most tender chicken and richest sauce, don't rush the searing process! Getting a good golden crust on the chicken not only improves the texture but also creates those amazing flavor compounds that will infuse your sauce. It's so simple, even a beginner can nail it if you take your time with this crucial step.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, which is completely normal.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to thin the sauce. Avoid high heat which can cause the sauce to separate.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Reheat slowly and whisk well to recombine.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the shallots for an earthy flavor dimension
Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach just before serving for added nutrition and color
Include ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet contrast to the creamy sauce
Mix in 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a subtle "cheesy" flavor without any dairy

Substitutions:

Replace chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for even more tender, juicy results
Swap arrowroot starch with tapioca starch or cornstarch if that's what you have on hand
Use olive oil instead of avocado oil if preferred
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile

FAQs about this Dairy Free Cream Chicken

What is a dairy-free substitute for cream of chicken?

Coconut milk makes an excellent dairy-free substitute for cream in chicken dishes. It provides the same richness and velvety texture while adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors.

What is a dairy-free alternative to cream of chicken soup?

For a dairy-free alternative to cream of chicken soup, combine coconut milk with chicken broth and thicken with arrowroot starch or flour. Season with herbs and spices to mimic the flavor profile of traditional cream of chicken soup.

How do you make a creamy sauce without dairy?

Create creamy dairy-free sauces by using full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or puréed white beans as your base, then thicken with arrowroot starch or another starch thickener. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What Can I Serve with this Dairy Free Cream Chicken?

This versatile dairy free cream chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! I love serving it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make perfect accompaniments, or try it with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

If you give this recipe a try, I'd be thrilled to hear what you think! Drop a comment below or tag me in your social media posts so I can see your delicious creation. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for you!

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