High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful tomato sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make, protein-packed dish is perfect for meal prep and offers a rich, comforting meal that keeps you energized and satisfied.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to build the base of your sauce, cooking for another minute.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or Greek yogurt and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth sauce. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a mild heat.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken absorbs some sauce richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and tender, juicy results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary for a perfect sear.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and softer texture.
- Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling or separation.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: high protein chicken, marry me chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, meal prep chicken, gluten free chicken, one pan chicken