Get ready to fall in love with this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken. It’s a decadent, creamy, and unbelievably flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion. We’ve taken the viral sensation and given it a healthy, protein-packed twist without sacrificing any of the rich, savory flavor you crave. This recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a game-changer. The sauce is the star of the show—a perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese that coats every piece of chicken. Plus, with a few strategic ingredient choices, we’ve boosted the protein to keep you full and satisfied. Let’s dive in and make a meal that’s guaranteed to win hearts.
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
If you’re looking for a recipe that ticks all the boxes, this is it. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce is absolutely irresistible, and the entire dish feels restaurant-quality. It’s a one-pan meal, which means cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this high-protein chicken recipe is foolproof and fabulous.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Protein-Packed: We use lean chicken breast and Greek yogurt to boost the protein content, making it a satisfying and healthy meal. For another great high-protein option, try these unstuffed peppers (coming soon).
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil creates a rich, complex sauce that is simply divine.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavor.
What Makes This Marry Me Chicken High in Protein?
We’ve made a few simple swaps to elevate the protein content of the classic Marry Me Chicken. First, we start with lean chicken breast, which is an excellent source of protein. To make the sauce creamy and protein-rich, we use plain Greek yogurt instead of relying solely on heavy cream. This not only adds a significant protein boost but also reduces the overall fat content while providing a delightful tangy flavor that complements the richness of the parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this high-protein dish.
- Olive Oil & Butter: For searing the chicken and building the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic depth.
- Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for our creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream & Greek Yogurt: A combination that delivers classic creaminess with an extra punch of protein.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a smooth, melty sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety for the most intense flavor.
- Seasonings: Dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.
How to Make High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress. It’s a straightforward process that delivers a five-star meal right in your own kitchen.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile. For a perfect pairing, serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic with a side of steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad. For a truly comforting meal, pair it with some creamy parmesan garlic rice. Or, for another one-pan favorite, check out this garlic butter chicken casserole.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is just as delicious the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and add the chicken to warm through.
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be juicier and may require a few extra minutes of cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream and Greek yogurt with full-fat coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The butter can be replaced with a dairy-free butter or additional olive oil.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce as it reheats.
This recipe boosts protein by using lean chicken breast and substituting a portion of the heavy cream with protein-rich plain Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and a significant amount of protein without extra fat.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
We hope you love this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken recipe! It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t have to choose between healthy and delicious. If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a comment below or sharing it on Pinterest. Your support helps us create more content you’ll love. For another easy and cheesy weeknight meal, try our Alfredo Tortellini Bake.
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken (Creamy & Easy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, then whisk in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a nice golden crust.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
