If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as comforting as it is packed with protein, let me introduce you to my High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe. What makes this one stand out? It’s a creamy, flavorful dish that feels indulgent without skimping on nutrition — perfect for anyone wanting to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. I love this because it brings restaurant-worthy vibes right to your dinner table, and you’ll find that it works beautifully whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or impressing friends on the weekend.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the cottage cheese adds a velvety texture to the sauce while boosting the protein content. Plus, the combination of sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor but surprisingly simple to whip up. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both wholesome and delicious, this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe is absolutely worth a spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed & Nourishing: The blend of cottage cheese and chicken bone broth packs in the protein without heaviness.
- Creamy & Flavorful Sauce: Sundried tomatoes and Parmesan give the sauce a rich, tangy taste that dazzles every time.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Easy to prepare at home yet impressive enough for guests or date night.
- Flexible Meal Option: Works great for meal prep and keeps well for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe features ingredients that blend seamlessly to create that signature creamy, tangy sauce while keeping the dish satisfyingly high in protein. When shopping, look for fresh chicken cutlets and good-quality sundried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor.
- Chicken bone broth: Adds deep, savory flavor and a protein boost to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture we’re aiming for.
- Whole milk cottage cheese: The secret ingredient I discovered that adds creaminess and protein without heaviness.
- Chopped sundried tomatoes: Bring a sweet tang and umami punch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth; finely grate for best melting and flavor integration.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Balances the creaminess with a gentle spice.
- Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets: Thin and cook evenly, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a nice crust and thickens the sauce a bit.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herby warmth that complements the tomato and basil notes beautifully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Builds flavor gently in the sauce base.
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Brightens the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A little heat that makes the flavors pop without overwhelming.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn: Added at the end for fresh, herbal brightness.
Variations
I love that you can make this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe your own by adjusting the herbs and heat level to your liking. Feel free to get creative; I’ve tweaked it a few ways depending on what I have on hand and who’s coming to dinner.
- Spicy Kick: Once, I added extra crushed red pepper flakes, and my family went crazy for the added warmth—it’s fantastic if you like a bit of heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream and cottage cheese for unsweetened almond milk and a dairy-free cream alternative; it won’t be quite the same creamy texture but still delicious.
- Vegetable Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the sauce gives it an earthy freshness I really enjoy on busy nights.
- Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap Italian seasoning for fresh thyme or oregano, which pairs wonderfully with the basil at the end.
How to Make High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Sauce Base
Start by combining the chicken bone broth, heavy cream, whole milk cottage cheese, chopped sundried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and tomato paste in a blender. Puree until everything is silky smooth — this step creates the magic behind that creamy but protein-rich sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper here to build flavor upfront.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken cutlets dry with paper towels (this helps them brown nicely). Then season both sides generously with kosher salt and pepper. Sprinkle the cutlets with the flour and Italian seasoning, pressing lightly with your fingers — this coating aids in developing that golden crust when searing.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the pan, sear each chicken cutlet for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes – resting locks in those juices for tender bites.
Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce in the Same Pan
Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring and scraping up those flavorful browned bits off the bottom. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant – this is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible!
Step 5: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce with Fresh Basil
Return the chicken and any juices that collected on the plate back to the skillet. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken and add torn fresh basil leaves. Let everything gently simmer, spooning sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Divide the chicken among plates and top with extra Parmesan cheese and more torn basil for a fresh, pretty finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best.
Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Patting the Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear – I learned this the hard way! Dry chicken = better golden crust.
- Use Cottage Cheese for Protein and Creaminess: This small swap makes a huge difference in texture and nutrition compared to heavy cream alone.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low when the sauce is on to avoid curdling and to let flavors meld beautifully.
- Rest Chicken After Searing: Gives the juices time to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
How to Serve High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this dish with extra finely grated Parmesan and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves — it adds color, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor that just brings it all together perfectly. Sometimes a little drizzle of good olive oil at the end elevates it even more.
Side Dishes
For sides, I lean toward something simple yet hearty like garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option or a buttery risotto to soak up the extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balance the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
When I serve this for special occasions, I like plating the chicken cutlets over a bed of creamy polenta or spiralized zucchini noodles — it makes the presentation pop and helps soak up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pine nuts adds a lovely crunch, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it rests, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to meal prep for busy weeks. I portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back that velvety sauce texture. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken cutlets?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute if you want a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook through than thin cutlets.
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Is it necessary to use cottage cheese in this recipe?
Cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess while keeping the sauce lighter. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with more heavy cream or Greek yogurt, but the texture and nutrition profile will be a bit different.
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How can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream and cottage cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
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Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can blend the sauce ingredients ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir or brief re-blend before cooking to keep it smooth and creamy.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce feels too thin, simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally, or stir in a small slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water for an instant fix.
Final Thoughts
This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes: creamy, packed with protein, and full of flavor without fuss. I love sharing it with friends because it’s proof you can eat well and enjoy every bite, even on busy days. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — and I can’t wait for it to become one of your go-to recipes too.
Print
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet chicken dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked to a golden brown and smothered with a rich sauce made from chicken bone broth, cottage cheese, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan. This recipe balances indulgence with protein-rich ingredients for a comforting yet nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 3/4 cup chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 2 Tbsp. chopped sundried tomatoes (from about 4 tomato halves)
- 2 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp. tomato paste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken
- 4 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the chicken bone broth, heavy cream, whole milk cottage cheese, chopped sundried tomatoes, finely grated Parmesan, and tomato paste. Blend until smooth. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken, pressing with your fingers so the seasoning adheres well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets, working in batches if necessary, and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the rested chicken and any juices back to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Add the torn fresh basil leaves and cook, spooning the sauce over the chicken, until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Divide the chicken among plates. Top with extra grated Parmesan and additional torn basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken cutlets and pat them completely dry before seasoning.
- Serving the sauce warm helps it coat the chicken better, enhancing flavor.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- If you prefer a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
