Marry Me Low Carb Chicken (Print Version)
Tender chicken baked with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy cheese sauce for a flavorful low-carb main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
03 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Seasonings
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
# How to Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes and spinach around and between the chicken pieces. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
05 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The rich, velvety sauce tastes indulgent but fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle without any sacrifice
- Sun-dried tomatoes bring this incredible tangy sweetness that balances the creamy elements beautifully
02 -
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side before baking for restaurant-quality presentation
- The sauce continues thickening as it rests so do not judge the consistency right out of the oven
03 -
- Pat the chicken really dry before seasoning to help it sear properly if you choose that extra step
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for the smoothest sauce texture