High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Quick Snack Bites

This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and protein-packed chickpeas. Aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese add depth, while garlic and onion bring savory flavors to the forefront. Ready in just 40 minutes, it offers a wholesome, gluten-free meal ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Pair with steamed vegetables or grains for a balanced plate.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:17:00 GMT
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, simmering in a skillet. Save
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, simmering in a skillet. | fryzia.com

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

This recipe became a family favorite after I made it for the first time; the flavors blended perfectly and satisfied all our cravings.

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 sparks joy at my dinner table, bringing everyone together over a nutritious and delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a green salad for a complete 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) and chickpeas (legume may not be suitable for those with legume allergies). Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Golden-brown chicken breasts and chickpeas in a rich sauce: this high-protein Marry Me Chicken is delicious. Save
Golden-brown chicken breasts and chickpeas in a rich sauce: this high-protein Marry Me Chicken is delicious. | fryzia.com

This high-protein dish is perfect for weeknight dinners where you want flavor and nutrition in one pan.

Recipe FAQ Section

Can I substitute chickpeas with another ingredient?

Yes, white beans can be used as a substitute for chickpeas, offering a similar texture and protein content.

How can I reduce the creaminess for a lighter dish?

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat cream to lighten the sauce without losing richness.

What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?

Dried oregano, thyme, and fresh basil or parsley garnish add aromatic and fresh herbal notes.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, when using certified gluten-free ingredients, this meal is gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken meal?

Steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a crisp green salad complement the flavors and textures nicely.

How long should the chicken be cooked to ensure doneness?

Simmer the chicken for 10–12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Savory chicken enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas for a healthy, satisfying dinner in under 40 minutes.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Samantha Rivera

Classification Quick Snack Bites

Complexity Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations No 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 (packed in oil, 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)

Preparation Steps

Phase 01

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 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Add Herbs and Tomatoes: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

Phase 05

Build Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and combined.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Simmer: 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 Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any item.
  • Contains dairy: heavy cream and Parmesan cheese
  • Contains chickpeas (legume allergy caution)
  • Gluten-free when ingredients are certified gluten-free

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 450
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein Content: 44 g