High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Protein-rich chickpeas nestle alongside, adding hearty texture and nutrition. Aromatic herbs and spices enhance each bite, creating a balanced and comforting meal. Easily prepared in under an hour, it’s a flavorful option for those seeking a wholesome and satisfying dinner without fuss.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT
Tender High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, creamy sauce glistening over golden-brown chicken and chickpeas. Save
Tender High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, creamy sauce glistening over golden-brown chicken and chickpeas. | ovenharmony.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 thanks to its rich flavors and simple preparation.

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
  • 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.
Close-up of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas: a flavorful, comforting dish with sun-dried tomatoes. Save
Close-up of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas: a flavorful, comforting dish with sun-dried tomatoes. | ovenharmony.com

Cooking this dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and enjoying the meal.

Nutritional Information

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

Serving Suggestions

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

Variations

Swap chickpeas for white beans or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

A steaming skillet of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to serve. Save
A steaming skillet of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken and Chickpeas, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to serve. | ovenharmony.com

This recipe combines ease and elegance for a dinner that impresses every time.

Recipe FAQ

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute chickpeas with another ingredient?

Yes, white beans can be used as a mild alternative, offering similar texture and protein content.

How do sun-dried tomatoes contribute to the flavor?

They add a rich, tangy depth that complements the creamy sauce and savory chicken.

What herbs are included to season the dish?

Dried oregano, thyme, and optional crushed red pepper flakes provide herbal aroma and subtle heat.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as all ingredients, including broth and spices, are certified gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a fresh green salad complement the dish nicely.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

Savory chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas in a creamy sauce, perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Easy Weeknight Meals

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations 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 tbsp 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 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)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare 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, then remove to a plate.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Combine Liquids and Cheese: Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.

Phase 06

Combine and Simmer: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle chickpeas around them. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly.

Phase 07

Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if 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 details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy: heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains chickpeas, a legume allergen.
  • Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 450
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 44 g