High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Everyday Cravings

This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy blend of low-sodium broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan, enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Chickpeas add texture and protein, making it a hearty, flavorful entrée. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, it's ideal for a nutritious dinner served with your favorite sides. Fresh basil or parsley finishes the dish with a burst of herbal aroma.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served with vibrant, sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Save
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served with vibrant, sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. | munchhug.com

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

I love making this dish when I want something hearty yet healthy; it always impresses guests with its rich flavors.

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 the family together on busy weeknights; everyone enjoys its rich flavors and hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use half-and-half or low-fat cream for a lighter version, or swap chickpeas for white beans if preferred.

Pairings

Pairs wonderfully with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio wines.

A steaming skillet of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, featuring golden-brown chicken and savory sauce. Save
A steaming skillet of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, featuring golden-brown chicken and savory sauce. | munchhug.com

Adjust seasoning to your taste and enjoy this comforting high-protein meal any night of the week.

Recipe Guide

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for even cooking and tender texture.

Can I substitute chickpeas with another ingredient?

White beans are a great alternative if you prefer a milder bean option with similar texture.

How do sun-dried tomatoes enhance the flavor?

They add a concentrated, tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce and savory chicken.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, using certified gluten-free ingredients keeps this meal safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What herbs are used in this preparation?

Dried oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes lend aromatic depth and mild heat.

Can I lighten the sauce for a lower-fat option?

Using half-and-half or low-fat cream reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

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

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences 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 and 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

Method

Phase 01

Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly 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, then remove and set aside.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Incorporate Liquids and Cheese: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream and Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains legumes (chickpeas), which may cause allergies
  • Certified gluten-free if using gluten-free ingredients

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 450
  • Lipids: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 44 g