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Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep - Creamy, Flavorful, and Make-Ahead Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little more if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer color and flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked sides for meal prep: rice, quinoa, or pasta; plus steamed green beans, broccoli, or a side salad

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and slice breasts horizontally if they’re very thick, so they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear until golden. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until browned and almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate; tent with foil.
  3. Build the flavor base. Reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if the pan is dry. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and sauté 1 minute.
  4. Deglaze. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Make it creamy. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and tomato paste. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and turns silky. Add butter to finish for extra gloss.
  6. Return the chicken. Nestle chicken back into the sauce. Simmer 3–5 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is juicy. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
  7. Rest and slice. Turn off heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes. Slice or leave whole, depending on your meal prep containers.
  8. Package with sides. Divide chicken and sauce among 4–5 containers. Add your chosen carb and veggie. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
  9. Cool, then refrigerate. Let containers cool uncovered for 15–20 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.