High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked with a flavorful mix of sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. Protein-rich chickpeas add texture and nutrition, while garlic and onion deepen the savory notes. Simmered to perfection, it's ideal for a wholesome, easy-to-prepare dinner that balances taste and nutrition. A touch of fresh basil or parsley finishes the dish with an herbal brightness.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:24:00 GMT
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served hot, with juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Save to Pinterest
Creamy High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, served hot, with juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. | lovelyserena.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 favorite in our family for its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless (about 680 g / 1.5 lb)
  • Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g / 15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml), low-sodium
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/3 cup (60 g), chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25 g), grated
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp or to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Fresh basil or parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (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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| lovelyserena.com

Our family enjoys this meal during busy weeknights, bringing everyone together around the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, chef's 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). Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 450 calories, 20 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, 44 g protein.

This photo of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas features a rich, bubbling sauce and tender chicken breasts. Save to Pinterest
This photo of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas features a rich, bubbling sauce and tender chicken breasts. | lovelyserena.com

This recipe is a delightful balance of comforting richness and healthy nutrients, perfect for any occasion.

Ask About This Recipe

How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Pat the chicken dry before searing to get a golden crust and cook it over medium-high heat briefly to lock in juices.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can provide a similar depth of flavor and texture.

Can I use a different legume instead of chickpeas?

White beans or cannellini beans work well as alternatives and will blend nicely with the creamy sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of grated Parmesan to help thicken the sauce naturally.

What herbs complement this dish best?

Dried oregano and thyme are used during cooking, while fresh basil or parsley added before serving enhances aroma and freshness.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and protein-rich chickpeas for a healthy meal.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Wheat-Free

What You 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 (8 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
02 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) heavy cream

Vegetables & Extras

01 1/3 cup (2 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
02 1/4 cup (approximately 1 oz) 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)

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare and season 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. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Create sauce base: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains chickpeas (legume), which may cause allergies.
  • Gluten-free when ingredients are certified gluten-free; verify labels.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 450
  • Lipids: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 44 g