Hi, I’m Hannah! If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the “Marry Me Chicken” trend. It is famous for being so delicious that it might actually inspire a marriage proposal. Usually, the traditional recipe is swimming in heavy cream and butter, which sounds lovely for a rare treat, but it doesn’t quite fit into a daily healthy lifestyle. However, I am a firm believer that you should never have to choose between viral flavors and your wellness goals. That is why I developed this Healthy Marry Me Chicken. We’ve kept the soul of the dish—the sun-dried tomatoes, and the velvety sauce—but we’ve swapped the heavy dairy for a lightened-up version that feels just as decadent.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Marry Me Chicken
- Viral Flavor, Healthy Ingredients: You get all the famous savory, zesty flavor of the original dish but with a much better nutritional profile.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: First of all, this recipe is incredibly efficient. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight but fancy enough for a weekend date night.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Additionally, cleanup is a breeze. Because we cook the chicken and the sauce in the same skillet, you won’t be stuck at the sink all night.
- Packed with Nutrients: Furthermore, by using ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this Healthy Marry Me Chicken provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
Key Ingredients for Your Healthy Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken Breast: I recommend slicing the breasts into thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook evenly and pick up more of that delicious sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide the concentrated, sweet-tart punch of flavor that makes this dish famous. (You can learn more about the heart-health benefits and lycopene content of tomatoes here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes)
- Aromatics (Garlic & Shallots): We use a generous amount of garlic to create that signature savory depth.
- Lightened-Up Cream Base: Specifically, we use full-fat canned coconut milk or Greek yogurt mixed with a little broth. It creates a rich, glossy sauce without the heavy cream.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds that subtle “back-of-the-throat” heat that balances the creaminess.
How to Make This Healthy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Sear the Chicken: First, season your chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and shallots. Sauté for 2 minutes until they are fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and your cream alternative (coconut milk or Greek yogurt). Specifically, stir gently and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken and turn a beautiful orange-pink hue.
- Wilt the Greens: Add a handful of fresh baby spinach to the pan. Stir until the leaves have just wilted into the Healthy Marry Me Chicken sauce.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken cutlets to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the top and let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors can meld together perfectly.
- The Finishing Touch: Finally, remove from heat and top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
The “Good Habit” Tips for Success
- Deglaze the Pan: Most importantly, when you add the broth, use your spatula to scrape up the “brown bits” left over from searing the chicken. That is where all the concentrated flavor lives!
- Thickness Control: Specifically, if your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two without the lid.
- The Perfect Pairing: For instance, this Healthy Marry Me Chicken is incredible served over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a small portion of my Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! By using canned coconut milk as your cream base, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and paleo-friendly.
- How do I store leftovers? In fact, this stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a tiny splash of water to keep the sauce creamy.
- Is this recipe Keto-friendly? Certainly! Since we avoid flour and heavy starches, this is a fantastic high-protein, low-carb meal option.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay very juicy.
More Easy One-Pan Dinners
- The Best Healthy Tuscan Chicken (30-Minute Recipe)
- 20-Minute Healthy Turkey Taco Skillet (One-Pan)
- Lemon Herb Salmon and Asparagus (20-Minute One-Pan Dinner)
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Healthy Marry Me Chicken
A lightened-up version of the viral social media favorite. This Healthy Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken cutlets in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce that is ready in just 30 minutes using one pan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast sliced into thin cutlets
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small shallot minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear: Season chicken and sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté: In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallots for 2 minutes.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Wilt: Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Combine: Return chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes before serving.
