Marry Me High Protein Chicken (Printable Version)
Slow-cooked chicken in creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs for a protein-packed meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Sauce
04 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
05 - 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
07 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
08 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
09 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
13 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Rub both sides of each chicken breast evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
03 - Whisk together chicken broth, cream cheese, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until mostly smooth.
04 - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged.
05 - Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
06 - Transfer chicken to a cutting board, shred using two forks, then return to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to coat with sauce.
07 - Plate immediately topped with fresh basil and parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Set it in the morning and come home to dinner ready
- Packs 45 grams of protein per serving without feeling heavy
- The sauce is rich enough to make even cauliflower rice feel indulgent
02 -
- Cream cheese can separate if cooked too long, so stick to the time limits
- Greek yogurt works for extra protein but stir it in after cooking to prevent curdling
- The sauce thickens as it cools, which is perfect for leftovers
03 -
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness so everything finishes at the same time
- Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-grated for better melting