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.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:44:00 GMT
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.

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.
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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.

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