Keto Marry Me Chicken Recipe

When I first made this keto marry me chicken here in the Dominican Republic, I wasn’t sure if the kids would go for it—sun-dried tomatoes aren’t exactly a pantry staple here. But one bite in, my teenage son declared it fancy restaurant good, which, in our house, is the highest possible praise. Between managing my type 2 diabetes and dealing with island ingredient shortages, I’m always hunting for recipes that feel indulgent yet keep carbs low. This one checks every box—creamy, flavorful, and quick enough to pull together before the evening church service.

This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs and garlic. It’s savory, rich, and has a delightful hint of tanginess from the tomatoes, making it unforgettable. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a casual family meal, this recipe is a keeper.

The Perfect Cooking Technique

To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet. This method not only locks in juices but also creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Living at sea level means I have to adjust my cooking temperatures slightly to avoid overcooking the chicken. I learned this the hard way during our first year here, when my chicken turned out dry and chewy more times than I’d like to admit.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens. After removing the chicken from the skillet, garlic is sautéed until fragrant, adding depth to the dish. Incorporating heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese transforms this simple base into a velvety sauce that clings to every bite.

Sun-dried tomatoes aren’t always easy to find in our local markets, so when I spot them, I buy in bulk and store them in olive oil. It makes this sauce taste even richer.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, this dish shines on a rustic wooden table, complemented by a side of cauliflower rice. The rice not only adds texture but also keeps the meal low-carb, fitting perfectly with keto dietary needs. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

When I serve this for company, I’ll often double the recipe and keep it warm in a covered dish. Here in the DR, people tend to linger at the table, and no one wants cold chicken before the stories are finished.

A Meal for Any Occasion

This creamy keto marry me chicken is versatile enough for any gathering. Whether it’s a special date night or a weeknight family dinner, it’s bound to impress.

I’ve made this dish for visiting missionaries, and one couple even joked that it should be called “Marry Me Twice Chicken” because they enjoyed it so much.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also a great fit for a low-carb lifestyle—healthy fats, satisfying protein, and just 6 grams of carbs per serving.

Managing my blood sugar means I keep a close eye on my carb counts. This recipe lets me indulge without worry, and it’s filling enough that I don’t go searching for snacks later.

Deliciously Creamy Keto Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken:

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

   In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, add sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Stir and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

   Tip: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

3. Combine:

   Return the chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

   Tip: Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.

4. Serve:

   Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

   Tip: For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese before returning the chicken to the pan.

Pro Tips

• Pat chicken dry before searing for a crisp, golden crust.
• Loosen overly thick sauce with chicken broth.
• Let chicken rest in sauce before serving for deeper flavor.
• Add cream cheese for extra richness.
• Toast cauliflower rice before serving for a nutty note.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Heavy cream → Coconut cream for dairy-free richness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes → Roasted red peppers for sweeter depth.
• Parmesan → Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
• Olive oil → Avocado oil for a neutral taste and high smoke point.

Tip from Grammie Shirley

If you’re making this ahead, keep the chicken and sauce separate until just before serving. This keeps the chicken from getting soggy and the sauce from over-thickening.

Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, they stay juicy and flavorful—just adjust the cook time.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but stir well when reheating as cream sauces can separate.

What sides go best with this?

Cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, or zucchini noodles.

Can I make this without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes—add a teaspoon of tomato paste for similar tang.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm on low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore texture.

Nutrition & Serving Info

(Estimated per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 5g

This keto marry me chicken has become one of my go-to meals—rich without being heavy, special without being complicated, and friendly to my low-carb goals. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just making dinner for the kids, it’s a recipe worth keeping in rotation. I hope it brings as much warmth to your table as it does to ours here in the Dominican Republic.