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healthy marry me chicken recipe

Healthy Marry Me Chicken Recipe is a lighter twist on the classic creamy chicken dish that’s so good, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals! This version keeps all the rich, comforting flavors—like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—but swaps heavy cream for healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or coconut milk. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner without the guilt. Serve it over zucchini noodles, brown rice, or roasted veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Garlic
  1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Deglaze the Pan
  1. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This process adds depth to the sauce.
Create the Creamy Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast. Mix until the nutritional yeast is fully dissolved, creating a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
Add Flavorful Components
  1. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Incorporate Spinach
  1. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring until they wilt into the sauce.
Return Chicken to Skillet
  1. Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the simmering sauce for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Garnish and Serve
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over your choice of whole grain pasta, quinoa, or a bed of steamed vegetables.

Notes

To keep this dish light yet flavorful, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and sear them well for extra depth. Swap heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt, light coconut milk, or cashew cream to reduce calories while keeping the sauce creamy.
Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in water or drain the oil-packed ones well to avoid extra fat. This dish pairs beautifully with whole grains or roasted veggies for a balanced, feel-good meal.