High-Protein Marry-Me Style Chicken Skillet

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 25 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. 1Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If breasts are very thick, pound lightly to even 3/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
2. 2Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear undisturbed 5 to 6 minutes until deep golden.
3. 3Flip and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Transfer chicken to a plate; it will finish in the sauce.
4. 4Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet add garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté 60 to 90 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
5. 5Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes, reducing slightly. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
6. 6Simmer the sauce gently 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
7. 7Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the tops.
8. 8Add spinach the chicken and cover the skillet 1 to 2 minutes until leaves wilt. Stir spinach into the creamy sauce.
9. 9Remove from heat. Scatter torn basil and lemon zest over everything. Rest 2 minutes so flavors marry. Serve chicken with generous sauce spooned on top—pair with zucchini noodles or crusty bread if desired.