Keto Marry Me Chicken: Best Low Carb Delight

The first time I made this Keto Marry Me Chicken for my husband, he jokingly got down on one knee and proposed all over again. That’s how this dish earned its playful name – it’s simply that good! This creamy, flavorful low-carb dish combines tender chicken with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce that feels indulgent while keeping your carb count impressively low.

As someone who follows a keto lifestyle, I’m always searching for recipes that don’t feel like compromises. This Keto Marry Me Chicken has become my go-to dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Marry Me Chicken

• Perfectly Keto-Friendly: With only 4g net carbs per serving, it fits seamlessly into your low-carb diet
• Rich and Satisfying: The creamy sauce makes this dish feel like a true indulgence
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your keto kitchen
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Family-Approved: Even non-keto family members request this dish regularly
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week
• Versatile: Pair with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or enjoy on its own

This recipe has become a staple in my home because it solves the eternal keto dilemma – creating dishes that are both health-conscious and genuinely delicious. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Step1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for more even cooking.

Step2: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this mixture.

Step3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Making the Keto Cream Sauce

Step5: In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those brown bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step6: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step7: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step8: Add the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and dried basil. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Step9: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is salty, so you may need less salt than expected.

Finishing the Dish

Step10: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to absorb some of the flavors.

Step11: Garnish with fresh chopped basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Step12: Serve immediately with your favorite keto-friendly side dish.

Pro Tips for Success

• Chicken Thickness: For evenly cooked chicken, use a meat mallet to pound the breasts to an even thickness, or butterfly them horizontally.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes rather than dry-packed ones for this recipe. They have more flavor and a better texture for the sauce.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the chicken back in. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth.
• Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan works best as it melts more smoothly than pre-packaged options, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Heat Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preference for spice. Start with less and add more if needed.
• Quick Prep: Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay more tender. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish dairy-free? While traditional Marry Me Chicken relies on cream and cheese, you can substitute full-fat coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done? The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 36g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Total Carbs: 5g

This Keto Marry Me Chicken is perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle, offering an excellent balance of protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs minimal. The high fat content helps keep you satisfied longer, making it an excellent option for intermittent fasting approaches.

Storage and Leftovers

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, be aware that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, use 70% power in 30-second intervals, stirring the sauce between intervals to ensure even heating.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile keto chicken dish pairs beautifully with:

• Cauliflower Rice: A perfect low-carb base to soak up the delicious sauce
• Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zoodles create a pasta-like experience
• Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Add color and nutrition to round out the meal
• Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp counterpoint to the rich sauce
• Mashed Cauliflower: For a comfort food experience that stays keto-friendly

For special occasions, consider starting with a keto-friendly appetizer like stuffed mushrooms or a charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, and low-carb crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Keto Marry Me Chicken kid-friendly? Most children enjoy this dish, though you might want to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for sensitive palates. The creamy sauce and tender chicken appeal to most young eaters.

Can I make Keto Marry Me Chicken ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the sauce.

What gives this dish its “marry me” name? The original (non-keto) version of this chicken dish earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it might prompt a marriage proposal! Our keto version maintains all the flavor while cutting the carbs.

Can I add vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts make excellent low-carb additions. Add spinach in the last minute of cooking, or sauté mushrooms alongside the garlic before adding the cream.

Why This Keto Marry Me Chicken Works

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels indulgent without derailing your keto lifestyle. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cream creates a sauce with incredible depth, while the Parmesan adds richness and thickens naturally without any flour or cornstarch.

The best keto recipes don’t make you feel like you’re sacrificing flavor for health, and this Keto Marry Me Chicken delivers on that promise. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you that eating low-carb can be a delight rather than a restriction.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The next time you’re looking for a keto-friendly meal that’s both easy and extraordinary, remember this Keto Marry Me Chicken recipe. Who knows? It might just inspire a proposal – or at the very least, requests for seconds!

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