High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe offers a satisfying protein boost with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Versatile and adaptable, it suits various dietary preferences, providing a wholesome and indulgent meal.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts, lean and high in protein
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil or soaked if dry)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for another minute to release flavors.
- Creamy Delight: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently while adding grated Parmesan cheese, helping the sauce thicken and develop a rich consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes so the chicken soaks up those luscious flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is ready when the sauce is thick, creamy, and perfectly coats the tender chicken. Garnish as desired and serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after searing to retain its juices.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to help the cream and cheese blend without breaking.
- Soak dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before use for a tender bite.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick or extra heavy cream if too thin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: high-protein chicken, creamy chicken, marry me chicken, quick dinner, healthy dinner, gluten-free, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken recipe