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Marry Me Chicken Meal Prep - Creamy, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced into cutlets) or thighs
  • Salt and pepper: To season the chicken generously
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, plus extra if needed
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional for extra richness)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, to taste
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup (low sodium preferred)
  • Heavy cream: 3/4 cup (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
  • Fresh basil: A small handful, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • Lemon juice: 1 to 2 teaspoons, to brighten at the end
  • Optional sides for meal prep boxes: Cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or roasted veggies (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice breasts into thin cutlets for fast, even cooking. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Get the pan hot: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
  3. Sear to golden: Cook 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  4. Build the flavor base: Lower heat to medium. Add butter (if using), garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add tomatoes and deglaze: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Make it creamy: Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. If it gets too thick, splash in extra broth.
  7. Return the chicken: Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes so it’s fully heated and coated. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  8. Finish with herbs: Stir in fresh basil off the heat for brightness.
  9. Assemble meal prep: Divide chicken and sauce into 4–6 containers. Add your chosen sides. Garnish with extra basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you like.