High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Weeknight Spoonfuls

This creamy Marry Me Chicken blends tender chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and protein-packed chickpeas. Simmered in a rich sauce of cream, Parmesan, and herbs, it creates a flavorful dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh basil or parsley, it delivers a satisfying meal ready in under 40 minutes. Ideal for those seeking a high-protein, gluten-free dinner option with vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:33:00 GMT
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served with golden chicken and rich sun-dried tomato sauce. Save
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served with golden chicken and rich sun-dried tomato sauce. | cookinget.com

A creamy, savory chicken dish enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and protein-packed chickpeas, perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite after I made it for a busy weeknight dinner, and everyone loved the rich flavors and simple prep.

Ingredients

  • Proteins: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g / 1.5 lb), 1 can (400 g / 15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Flavor Base: 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Sauces & Liquids: 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • Vegetables & Extras: 1/3 cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained), 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 2 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring.
Step 4:
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
Step 5:
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 6:
Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Add chickpeas, nestling them around the chicken.
Step 7:
Simmer uncovered for 10 12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F) and sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
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This dish always brings everyone together around the table for a comforting meal.

Required Tools

Large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese). Contains chickpeas (legume, may not be suitable for those with legume allergies). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 44 g per serving

A close-up of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas; imagine the tender chicken with chickpeas. Save
A close-up of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas; imagine the tender chicken with chickpeas. | cookinget.com

This Marry Me Chicken recipe is sure to impress anyone, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different beans instead of chickpeas?

Yes, white beans or cannellini beans make excellent substitutes, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.

How can I lighten the sauce?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative without sacrificing richness.

What herbs enhance the flavor best?

Dried oregano and thyme provide a fragrant base, while fresh basil or parsley add brightness as a garnish.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if all ingredients are certified gluten-free, this dish naturally fits a gluten-free diet.

What sides pair well with this chicken?

Steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a fresh green salad complement the rich flavors beautifully.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas for a healthy, protein-packed dinner.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine American

Output 4 Portion Count

Diet Preferences No Gluten

What You'll Need

Proteins

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lb)
02 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Flavor Base

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 3 garlic cloves, minced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

Sauces & Liquids

01 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
02 1/2 cup heavy cream

Vegetables & Extras

01 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, drained
02 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

01 1 tsp dried oregano
02 1/2 tsp dried thyme
03 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
05 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously.

Step 04

Add Flavorings: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

Step 05

Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until blended.

Step 06

Combine Chicken and Chickpeas: Return chicken breasts to skillet and nestle chickpeas around them.

Step 07

Simmer Until Cooked: Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sauce thickens.

Step 08

Adjust and Garnish: Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy: heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains legumes: chickpeas may trigger legume allergies.
  • Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 450
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 44 g