High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This dish combines tender chicken breasts with protein-packed chickpeas and savory sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce. Sautéed onions and garlic build a flavorful base enhanced by oregano, thyme, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, it's an easy, wholesome dinner perfect for quick preparation and nourishing enjoyment.

Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, ready to eat. Pin
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, ready to eat. | kitchenprairie.com

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

This dish quickly became a family favorite after the first time I made it. The combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken is irresistible.

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Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: about 680 g / 1.5 lb
  • 1 can chickpeas: 400 g / 15 oz drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves: minced
  • 1 small yellow onion: finely chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: 240 ml
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream: 120 ml
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: 60 g chopped packed in oil drained
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: 25 g
  • 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
  • 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.
Pin
| kitchenprairie.com

Making this meal always brings smiles to our family dinner table. It’s a dish we often share during special gatherings.

Notes

For a lighter version use half-and-half or low-fat cream. Serve with steamed vegetables brown rice or a green salad. Swap chickpeas for white beans if desired. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

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

Golden-seared High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, swimming in a rich, flavorful, creamy sauce. Pin
Golden-seared High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, swimming in a rich, flavorful, creamy sauce. | kitchenprairie.com

This recipe is a go-to for a satisfying and high-protein meal that never disappoints.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas, packed with protein and flavor for a balanced meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet specifications Without gluten

Components

Proteins

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

Flavor Base

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

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.

Phase 03

Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Phase 04

Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Phase 05

Deglaze and enrich sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until fully combined.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Simmer gently: Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly.

Phase 08

Finish and garnish: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

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Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese).
  • Contains chickpeas (legume allergy warning).
  • Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 450
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 44 g