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Light Healthy Marry Me Chicken

Light Healthy Marry Me Chicken

A flavorful, creamy, and incredibly satisfying chicken dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion without the fuss. This recipe offers a lighter take on the classic, proving you don't need heavy cream to achieve that irresistible "marry me" flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fat-free Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice for optional garnish
  • Extra basil for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. If using chicken breasts, you might want to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Otherwise, simply cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    1 medium yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  4. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan again to incorporate all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
    1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the fat-free Greek yogurt or light cream cheese until smooth and well combined, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley.
    1/4 cup fat-free Greek yogurt or light cream cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh basil, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  6. Add the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, or until it's cooked through and tender. The sauce should have thickened to a beautiful, coating consistency.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you desire a touch more brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper, Lemon juice, Extra basil

Notes

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power.