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Easy Keto Marry Me Chicken - Creamy, Flavor-Packed, Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (slice thick breasts horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth and color)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated, not shredded)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • Fresh basil, sliced (a small handful)
  • Lemon juice, a squeeze to finish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken. Pat cutlets dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This helps the sear stick and adds flavor from the start.
  2. Sear to golden. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Build the base. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Stir in garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
  4. Deglaze. Pour in chicken broth. Scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Make it creamy. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer gently 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
  6. Finish the chicken. Return chicken and juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the cutlets and simmer 2 minutes to warm through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
  7. Brighten and serve. Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh basil and a small squeeze of lemon, if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, with extra sauce on top.