If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, look no further than this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying, creamy chicken dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce enriched by cottage cheese and bone broth. Every bite delivers comforting richness balanced by the bright freshness of basil, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe hits that wonderful sweet spot where indulgence meets health, thanks to its clever use of protein-rich ingredients without skimping on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe to life. Each component plays its part, from the savory chicken cutlets to the creamy, tangy cottage cheese and the aromatic sun-dried tomatoes that add a vibrant pop of flavor and color.
- Chicken bone broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it more flavorful than plain stock.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky texture that wraps the chicken in delicious creaminess.
- Whole milk cottage cheese: Boosts the protein content while lending a subtle tang to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Impart sweet and slightly tart notes that brighten the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Infuses umami and a salty kick, with extra for garnish.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and enriches the sauce’s color.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets: Lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and evenly.
- All-purpose flour: Helps give the chicken a beautiful crust and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Italian seasoning: Adds fragrant herbs that complement the Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity richness for browning the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and flavor when sautéing the garlic and peppers.
- Garlic cloves: Give the sauce a warm, aromatic foundation.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Offer a subtle kick of heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Fresh basil leaves: Finish the dish with an herbaceous freshness and vibrant green color.
How to Make High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by blending the chicken bone broth, heavy cream, whole milk cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tomato paste until smooth. This creates a velvety sauce that’s both indulgent and rich in protein—a perfect base for our chicken. Season it gently with salt and pepper to make sure each bite sings with balanced flavors.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken cutlets dry—that’s crucial for getting a good sear. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. Then, sprinkle all-purpose flour mixed with Italian seasoning over the chicken, pressing lightly so it sticks. This coating will provide a beautiful golden crust and a lovely herbal aroma when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets (do it in batches if you need to avoid crowding the pan) and cook until the first side is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Spices
Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Stir in finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken—that’s where your deep, savory flavor hides!
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the rested chicken and its juices to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, tossing in torn fresh basil leaves. Let everything simmer gently, spooning sauce over the chicken occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a perfect balance.
Step 6: Serve
Divide the chicken cutlets onto plates, spoon the luscious sauce over top, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and torn basil leaves. This final touch not only amps up the flavor but makes your dish look stunning as well. Serve immediately and get ready to impress everyone at the table.
How to Serve High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top bring a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds saltiness and a lovely, melting texture right on the surface. These simple garnishes transform this dish from comforting to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with light, vibrant sides. Consider serving it alongside garlic roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed cauliflower or quinoa pilaf complement this dish beautifully without overshadowing its rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, serve this chicken over a bed of spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for an extra veggie boost. You could also plate it alongside roasted root vegetables, letting the sauce mingle with sweet potatoes or carrots. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little balsamic glaze around the plate for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together helps the flavors meld, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. This prevents texture changes and makes reheating easier and more enjoyable.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers or thawed frozen chicken, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture and to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?
Absolutely! If you have chicken breasts, just slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream and cottage cheese with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to maintain that cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference or omit them entirely for a milder version.
What makes this a high-protein recipe?
The combination of chicken cutlets, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and bone broth creates a dish rich in protein. It’s a smart way to enjoy a creamy, indulgent meal while staying on track with your nutrition goals.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! You can blend the sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready, gently reheat it before combining with the cooked chicken to save time on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that wins hearts every time. It’s an inviting combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying protein punch that nourishes your body and soul. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor the joy of cooking a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome at the same time. Trust me, it just might become your new favorite go-to!
Print
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken recipe combines tender pan-seared chicken cutlets with a creamy, flavorful tomato and Parmesan sauce enriched with cottage cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. The dish is finished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for a rich, savory meal that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 2 Tbsp. chopped sun-dried 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
Chicken Ingredients
- 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
Cooking Ingredients
- 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 sun-dried tomatoes, finely grated Parmesan, and tomato paste. Puree until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning evenly over the cutlets, pressing gently with your fingers to help the coating adhere well.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets (in batches if necessary) and cook until the first side is nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter, then stir in the finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the rested chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the chicken. Add torn fresh basil leaves. Simmer gently, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Divide the chicken cutlets among serving plates. Top each portion with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately while hot and saucy.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Ensure the chicken cutlets are patted dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
- The cottage cheese in the sauce adds protein and creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same freshness.
- You can substitute the chicken cutlets with thin chicken breasts if preferred.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but sauce texture will differ slightly.
