Description
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is a flavorful and nourishing dish featuring juicy skinless, boneless chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, herbaceous sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. This recipe offers an indulgent yet clean way to enjoy a protein-packed meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions, with versatility to adapt to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Protein
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Let the sauce thicken gently while stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Combine and finish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through. Finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for brightness and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning; cook chicken in batches if necessary.
- Dry your chicken well before cooking to enhance crispiness and searing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and superior taste.
- Simmer the sauce gently to maintain a smooth, silky texture without boiling.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for optimal aroma and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: high protein chicken, creamy chicken, healthy chicken dinner, Marry Me Chicken, lean protein recipe, easy chicken skillet