Healthy marry me chicken meal prep in cast iron skillet with creamy sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce and fresh basil
| |

Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep: High-Protein Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Spread the love

⬇️ Jump to Recipe

Okay, I need to tell you about this chicken.

This healthy marry me chicken meal prep has become a weekly staple in my kitchen, and honestly? I’m a little obsessed. My husband asked me to make it three times last month. Three times. For the same dish. That never happens.

If you’ve been on TikTok or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen this viral recipe everywhere. Tender chicken breasts swimming in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil. The name comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal on the spot. (No pressure, right?)

Here’s the thing though—traditional marry me chicken is loaded with heavy cream and butter. One serving can easily hit 500 calories with over 30 grams of fat. Delicious? Absolutely. Everyday healthy marry me chicken meal prep friendly? Not so much.

So I spent way too many weekends testing a lighter version. I wanted all that creamy, garlicky, absolutely addictive flavor without the calorie bomb. And after more taste tests than my jeans appreciated, I finally nailed it.

This high-protein marry me chicken delivers 42 grams of protein per serving with only 320 calories. The secret? Swapping heavy cream for a blend of Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese. Trust me—you won’t miss the heavy cream. The sauce is still silky, still rich, still the kind of thing you’ll want to eat straight from the pan with a spoon. (Not that I’ve done that. Okay, maybe once.)

Ready to make some marry me chicken? Let’s do this.

Love high-protein meal prep? You’ll also enjoy my high-protein chicken and rice recipes for more easy meal ideas.


Healthy marry me chicken meal prep in cast iron skillet with creamy sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce and fresh basil

📌 Recipe Summary:

  • Dish: Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: High-Protein, Low-Calorie
  • Skill Level: Easy
  • Best For: Weekly meal prep, weeknight dinners, date night

Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (So good, you might get a proposal)

This easy marry me chicken is perfect for meal prep! Juicy chicken breasts in a lightened-up creamy sauce that’s high in protein and low in calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 5 | Calories: 320 per serving | Protein: 42g

Ingredients

All ingredients for healthy marry me chicken recipe including chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, garlic, and fresh basil

For the Chicken:

  • 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 1½ cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 oz (113g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts, quartered

Equipment:

  • Large oven-safe skillet (12-inch)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cheese grater

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick (over 1 inch), butterfly them or pound to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a small bowl. Season chicken generously on both sides.
  2. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. The chicken won’t be cooked through—that’s okay. Transfer to a plate.
Chicken breast searing in hot pan developing golden brown crust for marry me chicken recipe
  1. Build the sauce. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, stir for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.
  2. Make it creamy. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese in chunks, stirring constantly until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and parmesan. Adding these off the heat prevents curdling. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
Close-up of creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for healthy marry me chicken showing rich texture
  1. Bake. Nestle chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each breast. Bake 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  2. Rest and serve. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutritional data calculated using USDA FoodData Central

NutrientAmount% Daily Value
Calories32016%
Protein42g84%
Total Fat12g15%
Saturated Fat4g20%
Carbohydrates8g3%
Fiber1g4%
Sodium580mg25%

What Is Marry Me Chicken?

Quick Answer: Marry me chicken is a viral creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and Italian herbs. This healthy version has 42g protein and only 320 calories per serving.

So where did this recipe even come from?

Marry me chicken is a creamy Italian-American chicken dish that took over the internet. The original recipe came from Delish back in 2016, but it absolutely exploded on TikTok in 2023. Suddenly everyone and their mom was making it.

The dish is pretty simple: pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil. The name supposedly comes from the idea that this dish tastes so incredible, whoever eats it will want to marry the cook.

I’ve scrolled through hundreds of comments on these videos. People saying their boyfriends proposed. Their husbands renewed their vows. Their picky kids actually ate chicken without complaining. Whether that’s the chicken talking or just good timing, I can’t say. But I can tell you this recipe lives up to the hype.

The traditional version typically contains:

  • Heavy cream (and I mean a LOT of it)
  • Butter
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic and Italian herbs
  • Chicken broth

That combination creates an undeniably delicious sauce. But it also creates a calorie-heavy meal that doesn’t work for everyday eating. That’s exactly why I developed this healthy marry me chicken meal prep version—same magic, better macros, perfect for weekly prep.


Why This Healthy Version Works

Step-by-step process of making healthy marry me chicken meal prep from seasoning to finished dish
  • Alt Text: Step-by-step process of making healthy marry me chicken meal prep from seasoning to finished dish

I’m going to be honest with you—I was super skeptical about making marry me chicken healthier.

The heavy cream is what makes the sauce so luxurious. It’s what makes you want to lick the pan. Could I really swap it out without losing that magic?

After a lot of testing (and a lot of dishes my husband had to eat), the answer is yes. Here’s what I changed and why it actually works:

Greek Yogurt Instead of Heavy Cream

This was the game-changer. Greek yogurt adds tanginess and protein while still creating that creamy texture. The trick? Add it OFF the heat. Hot liquid plus yogurt equals curdled mess. Ask me how I know. But residual warmth? Perfect silky sauce every time.

Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese

Okay, this is the real MVP of the whole recipe. Cream cheese melts beautifully into the broth, creating that richness you expect without the calories of heavy cream. And honestly? The reduced-fat version works just as well as full-fat here. I’ve tested both. Multiple times. For science.

More Chicken Broth

Using extra broth creates sauce volume without adding calories. It also helps thin out the sauce to that perfect consistency where it coats the chicken but isn’t gloopy. You know what I mean.

Sun-Dried Tomato Oil for Sautéing

Here’s a trick I love: instead of adding extra butter, I use a tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. You’re already opening the jar anyway. Free flavor boost!

The Numbers (because I know you want them):

NutrientThis RecipeTraditional
Calories320485
Protein42g38g
Fat12g32g
Saturated Fat4g18g

More protein, less than half the fat, same addictive taste. That’s what makes this healthy marry me chicken meal prep a total game-changer.


Tips for Perfect Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep

Sliced healthy marry me chicken breast showing juicy interior coated in creamy parmesan sauce

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Pound Your Chicken

Thick chicken breasts cook unevenly. The outside overcooks while the center stays undercooked. Butterfly them or pound to ¾-inch thickness. Every piece cooks at the same rate, and you get more surface area for that golden sear.

Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature

Cold chicken straight from the fridge creates temperature shock when it hits the hot pan. The outside seizes up while the inside stays cold. Fifteen minutes on the counter solves this.

Don’t Move the Chicken While Searing

I know it’s tempting to peek underneath. Resist. That golden crust forms when the chicken has uninterrupted contact with the hot pan. Moving it prevents proper browning.

Deglaze the Pan

Those brown bits stuck to the bottom after searing? That’s called fond, and it’s pure concentrated flavor. When you add the chicken broth, scrape it all up. Your sauce will taste significantly better.

Control the Heat for Dairy

This is where most people mess up their sauce. Adding dairy to boiling liquid causes curdling and graininess. Always reduce heat to low before adding cream cheese. And add Greek yogurt completely off the heat.

Rest Before Slicing

Five minutes of resting lets the juices redistribute throughout the chicken. Skip this step, and all those juices end up on your cutting board instead of in your meat.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate it yourself from a block. Takes an extra minute and makes a huge difference.


Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken (Crockpot Method)

Marry me chicken prepared in slow cooker with tender chicken in creamy tomato basil sauce

This healthy marry me chicken meal prep method is for my fellow “set it and forget it” people.

You know those days when you want dinner ready the moment you walk in the door? When you’re too tired to even think about cooking? This crockpot marry me chicken is a total lifesaver. Set it up in the morning, go live your life, come home to tender, saucy chicken that smells absolutely incredible.

Ingredient Adjustments:

  • Increase chicken to 3 lbs (slow cooker = bigger batch!)
  • Reduce chicken broth to 1 cup (slow cookers retain moisture)
  • Add dairy in the last 30 minutes (trust me on this)

Instructions:

Step 1: Season chicken breasts with all spices. You can sear them first for extra flavor, but honestly? I skip it when I’m doing slow cooker. The whole point is easy.

Step 2: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic over the top.

Step 3: Pour chicken broth around the sides, not directly on top (this keeps the seasoning on the chicken). Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.

Step 5: Here’s the important part—about 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken to a cutting board. Whisk cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and parmesan into the cooking liquid until smooth. Return chicken to the sauce. Cook 30 more minutes on LOW.

Step 6: Rest 5 minutes before slicing. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

A few things I’ve learned the hard way:

  • Don’t lift the lid during cooking. I know it’s tempting. Each peek adds 15-20 minutes to cook time. Just don’t.
  • The sauce will be thinner than the skillet method. Totally normal. It thickens as it cools.
  • Chicken thighs work even better in the slow cooker if you prefer dark meat. They stay super juicy.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Quick and easy marry me chicken made in Instant Pot pressure cooker ready to serve

Need dinner in 25 minutes? The Instant Pot is your best friend.

I love this method when I forgot to set up the slow cooker in the morning (happens more than I’d like to admit) but still want that fall-apart tender chicken. From start to table in under 25 minutes. Seriously.

Instructions:

Step 1: Set Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode. Add olive oil. Once hot, sear seasoned chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Work in batches if needed—don’t crowd the pot. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. (Don’t skip this part—that’s where the flavor lives!)

Step 3: Cancel SAUTÉ mode. Return chicken to the pot, stacking if necessary. Lock the lid. Set to PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL for 8 minutes.

Step 4: Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. I know waiting is hard, but trust me on the natural release. It keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 5: Remove chicken. Switch to SAUTÉ mode. Whisk in cream cheese until melted. Cancel heat, then stir in Greek yogurt and parmesan.

Step 6: Return chicken to sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and try not to eat it straight from the pot.

Timing by Chicken Thickness:

ThicknessPressure CookNatural Release
½ inch6 minutes5 minutes
¾ inch8 minutes5 minutes
1 inch10 minutes8 minutes
1.5 inches12 minutes10 minutes

Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken

Love a crispy exterior? The air fryer creates a slightly crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy. Perfect if you prefer texture contrast.

Instructions:

Step 1: Season chicken breasts with all spices. Spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray.

Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation.

Step 3: Air fry 10 minutes. Flip. Continue 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: While chicken cooks, make the sauce on the stovetop using the skillet method instructions above.

Step 5: Slice air-fried chicken. Spoon sauce generously over each portion.

Tips:

  • Don’t skip preheating. Cold air fryers cook unevenly.
  • Thinner chicken breasts work better in the air fryer.
  • Check temperature early. Air fryers run hot and can overcook quickly.

Looking for more easy chicken dinners? Check out my blood sugar balancing breakfast recipes to start your day right before enjoying this protein-packed dinner.


Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep with Rice

Healthy marry me chicken meal prep sliced and served over jasmine rice with creamy sauce on white plate

Can we talk about why rice is the BEST side for this healthy marry me chicken meal prep?

Because honestly, this might be the best part of the whole meal. The sauce soaks into the rice and makes every single bite absolutely perfect. My husband literally scrapes the container clean.

Best Rice Options:

Jasmine Rice — This is my go-to. The slightly sticky texture catches the sauce perfectly, and that subtle floral aroma complements the sun-dried tomatoes without competing. Use a 1:1.25 water-to-rice ratio for fluffy results.

Brown Rice — More fiber, keeps you fuller longer. The nutty flavor works surprisingly well with this savory sauce. Heads up though—it takes about 45 minutes to cook, so start it before you begin the chicken.

Cauliflower Rice — For my keto and low-carb friends. Important tip: sauté it in a dry pan first to remove excess moisture. Otherwise your meal prep gets watery and sad. Nobody wants watery rice.

Basmati Rice — Long, fluffy, separate grains. Creates a more elegant presentation if you’re serving this for date night instead of Tuesday lunch at your desk. Rinse it well before cooking to remove excess starch.

Rice Tips for Meal Prep:

Here’s something I learned the hard way: cook rice slightly underdone for meal prep. It continues cooking every time you reheat it. Slightly firm on day one becomes perfectly soft by day three. Mushy rice by day five? No thanks.

Store rice in a separate compartment from the chicken and sauce. Trust me. If the rice sits in the sauce for days, it turns into a mushy mess. Divided meal prep containers are worth every penny.

When reheating, add a few drops of water to the rice before microwaving. This brings back that fresh-cooked texture.

Portions Based on Your Goals:

  • Weight loss: ½ cup cooked rice (100 calories)
  • Maintenance: ¾ cup cooked rice (150 calories)
  • Muscle building: 1 cup cooked rice (200 calories)

For more high-protein rice bowl ideas, check out my high-protein chicken and rice recipes.


Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep Storage Guide

Healthy marry me chicken meal prep in five glass containers with rice and broccoli ready for the week

Let’s talk about keeping this marry me chicken meal prep delicious all week. Because there’s nothing sadder than meal prep that goes bad before you can eat it.

Refrigerator Storage

I’m a huge fan of glass containers for this recipe. They don’t absorb odors, don’t stain from the tomato sauce (plastic containers turn orange—ask me how I know), and heat more evenly in the microwave. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Here’s the good news: your marry me chicken stays fresh for 4-5 days. And here’s the even better news—the sauce actually tastes BETTER after a day or two. The flavors meld together, the sauce infuses deeper into the chicken. Day three chicken hits different.

Don’t freak out if the sauce separates a little during storage. Totally normal. A quick stir before reheating brings it right back together.

Freezer Storage

This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Game changer for busy weeks.

A few tips I’ve learned:

  • Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. Warm food = ice crystals = freezer burn = sad chicken.
  • Portion into individual containers. Future you will thank present you when you can grab exactly what you need.
  • Squeeze out as much air as possible. Air is the enemy.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge. Never on the counter—that’s bacteria party time.

Reheating Methods

Microwave (when you’re hungry NOW): Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to the container. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat at 70% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Full power overcooks the edges while the center stays cold. Every. Single. Time.

Stovetop (best results, worth the extra 5 minutes): Add chicken and sauce to a skillet over medium-low heat. Splash in some broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method gives you the most control.

Oven (for feeding a crowd): Preheat to 325°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil. Heat 15-20 minutes. Best when you’re reheating several portions at once.

When to Toss It

According to FDA food safety guidelines, cooked chicken should be discarded if you notice:

  • Sour or off smell
  • Slimy texture on the surface
  • Gray or green color
  • Any mold (even a little)

When in doubt, throw it out. No meal is worth getting sick.


Weekly Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep Schedule

Here’s exactly how I turn one batch of healthy marry me chicken meal prep into a week of completely different meals. Because eating the exact same thing five days in a row? No thank you.

Sunday (Prep Day): Make the full recipe. Cook 3 cups rice. Roast a sheet pan of whatever vegetables look good. Portion everything into 5 containers. Put on a podcast, pour yourself something nice, and enjoy the process. Future you is going to be so grateful.

Monday: Classic combo—marry me chicken over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli. Simple, satisfying, sets the tone for the week.

Tuesday: Slice the chicken over mixed greens. Use that creamy sauce as dressing (game changer, seriously). Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Suddenly it’s a fancy salad.

Wednesday: Rice bowl vibes—marry me chicken with your roasted vegetables and an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top.

Thursday: Warm the chicken and toss it with cooked pasta. Congratulations, you just made marry me chicken pasta and it took 5 minutes.

Friday: Lettuce wraps with the chicken, some quick pickled onions if you’re feeling fancy, and fresh herbs. Light, fresh, perfect way to end the work week.

See? Same chicken, five totally different meals. Meal prep doesn’t have to be boring.

If you also meal prep breakfast (highly recommend), these high-fiber breakfast recipes pair perfectly with a protein-heavy dinner routine.


Recipe Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile. Here are some variations I’ve tested and loved:

Tuscan Marry Me Chicken

Add 2 cups fresh spinach and ½ cup quartered artichoke hearts during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The spinach wilts right into the sauce and adds iron and vitamins without changing the flavor much. The artichokes give it that fancy Tuscan restaurant vibe. This is probably my most-requested variation.

Spicy Marry Me Chicken

For my spice lovers! Increase red pepper flakes to 1 full teaspoon and add one diced jalapeño to the sauce with the garlic. The heat builds gradually without overwhelming the creamy base. Fair warning: this version is addictive.

Greek Style Marry Me Chicken

After the sauce comes together, stir in ½ cup crumbled feta and ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives. The feta adds this amazing tanginess that cuts right through the richness. Serve it over orzo pasta instead of rice for the full Mediterranean experience. Chef’s kiss.

Marry Me Chicken Soup

This is my absolute favorite way to use leftovers when you’re down to mostly sauce and small chicken pieces. Add 3 cups of chicken broth to your remaining sauce and shredded chicken. Toss in 1 cup of cooked pasta or rice. Heat through and boom—completely different meal. Perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Chop up leftover chicken and mix with the sauce and ½ cup cooked rice. Stuff into halved bell peppers. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender. It’s like the recipe got a whole new life.

If you enjoy meal prepping different variations, my high-fiber breakfast recipes are perfect for pairing with these protein-rich dinners.


Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

I’ve made every mistake possible with this recipe so you don’t have to. Learn from my failures:

Overcooking the Chicken

This is the number one way people mess up chicken breast. It goes from juicy to rubber in like 30 seconds. Get yourself a meat thermometer—seriously, it’s a game changer. Pull your chicken at 160°F and let carryover cooking bring it to the safe 165°F while it rests.

Curdled Sauce

Nothing ruins the vibe like grainy, curdled sauce. The culprit? Adding dairy to liquid that’s too hot. Always reduce heat to low before adding cream cheese. And add Greek yogurt completely off the heat. I learned this the hard way. Twice.

Crowded Pan

I get it—you want to cook all the chicken at once and be done with it. But packing too much into the pan drops the temperature dramatically. Instead of that beautiful golden sear, you end up basically steaming the chicken. Work in batches. Your chicken will thank you.

Skipping the Rest

I know, I know. The chicken looks perfect and you’re hungry and it smells amazing. But cutting into it immediately sends all those juices running onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat. Just five minutes. Set a timer. Scroll TikTok. The wait is worth it.

Using Pre-Grated Parmesan

That stuff in the green can? It has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Your sauce will be grainy and weird. Take the extra minute to grate fresh from a block. Massive difference.

Not Deglazing

Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after searing? That’s pure concentrated flavor. When you add the broth, scrape it all up. Don’t leave that goodness behind. Your sauce will taste 10x better.


Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! And honestly? Many people prefer them (myself included sometimes). Thighs have more fat, which keeps them juicier and way more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them a bit. Add 5-7 minutes to baking time since thighs are denser. They also absorb sauce flavors better. Win-win.

How do I make this dairy-free?

I’ve got you. Use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of cream cheese. Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan—it gives that cheesy, savory flavor without actual cheese. The texture changes slightly but it’s still really delicious. Several readers have made it this way with great results.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

With only 8g carbs per serving, it fits most keto plans easily. Just skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Problem solved.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh really does make a difference here. If you only have dried, use 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh. And add it to the sauce while cooking rather than at the end—dried herbs need heat to release their flavor.

Why is my sauce too thin?

A few things could be happening. Try simmering uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce. Or whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with cold water. Also, the sauce thickens quite a bit as it cools, so it might be fine once it sits.

Why is my sauce too thick after refrigeration?

This is totally normal! The sauce thickens in the fridge. Just add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time when reheating until you get the consistency you want.

Can I freeze the sauce separately?

Absolutely. Actually, this is a great meal prep hack. Make a double batch of sauce, freeze in portions, then thaw and combine with freshly seared chicken whenever you want. Fresh chicken + already-made sauce = dinner in 15 minutes.

What’s the best way to scale this recipe up?

Double everything EXCEPT the salt—increase salt by only 75%. Use a bigger pan or work in batches to maintain proper searing. Crowded pan = steamed chicken = sad chicken.

Can I prep this as a freezer dump meal?

Yes! This is one of my favorite make-ahead tricks. Combine raw seasoned chicken with everything except the dairy in a freezer bag. Freeze flat. When you’re ready, thaw overnight, dump in the slow cooker, and add dairy at the end. Easiest dinner ever.

What should I serve with marry me chicken?

Besides rice, this goes amazingly with mashed potatoes, pasta, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Honestly, anything that can soak up that sauce. Because you’ll want every last drop.

How many calories are in healthy marry me chicken?

This healthy version has only 320 calories per serving compared to 485 calories in the traditional recipe. You also get 42g of protein with only 12g of fat.

Is marry me chicken good for meal prep?

Yes! This healthy marry me chicken meal prep is one of the best recipes because the sauce actually tastes better after a day or two in the fridge. The flavors meld together and infuse into the chicken. It stays fresh for 4-5 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.

What makes marry me chicken so good?

The magic is in the sauce—the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and creamy base creates an incredibly savory, umami-rich flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and tang, while the parmesan brings that cheesy richness everyone loves.

For mornings when you need steady energy to match this protein-packed dinner, check out these blood sugar balancing breakfast recipes.


Similar Posts