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High Protein Marry Me Chicken - Creamy, Savory, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half (for lighter) or heavy cream (for richer)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for color and body)
  • Fresh basil, sliced (about 1/4 cup, loosely packed)
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon), to finish

Method
 

  1. Pound and season the chicken: Place the chicken between two sheets of parchment and pound to an even 1/2–3/4 inch thickness. Pat dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat to medium. If the pan is dry, add a splash of oil. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant. Avoid browning.
  4. Build the sauce base: Stir in tomato paste (if using). Add chicken broth and stir, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Make it creamy: Pour in milk, half-and-half, or cream. Stir in Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Simmer on medium-low 2–3 minutes, until lightly thickened.
  6. Finish the chicken: Return chicken and its juices to the pan. Spoon sauce over the pieces and simmer 3–5 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Brighten and serve: Stir in fresh basil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite sides.