High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Skillet
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, protein-packed dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, spicy sun-dried tomato sauce. Quick to prepare and full of rich, layered flavors, this one-pan skillet meal is perfect for weeknights or serving guests with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded evenly
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Prep and Season the Chicken: Trim and pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure quick and uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to build flavor from the start.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes so their rich flavors infuse into the oil and begin building the sauce base.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return Chicken and Finish Cooking: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy tomato sauce over them. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the skillet. Serve immediately, optionally paired with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Chicken thickness matters: Pound breasts evenly to cook uniformly and avoid dryness.
- Don’t rush the sear: A golden crust adds deep flavor and satisfying texture.
- Use quality sun-dried tomatoes: They significantly enhance the richness and tang of the sauce.
- Adjust creaminess: Substitute half the cream with chicken broth for a lighter sauce without losing flavor.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish sit off heat for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: high-protein, chicken skillet, marry me chicken, creamy tomato sauce, one-pan meal, gluten free, low carb, keto friendly