The moment your fork cuts into this creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken, you’ll understand how it earned its name. With a base of cottage cheese, bone broth, and sun-dried tomatoes blended into a velvety sauce, this dish packs in serious protein without sacrificing indulgent flavor.
Served with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s the kind of skillet dinner that turns weeknights into romantic restaurant-worthy meals. Whether you pair it with crusty bread, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables, it’s a mouthwatering, comforting choice you’ll want to make again and again.
Full Recipe:
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3/4 cup chicken bone broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (from about 4 tomato halves)
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2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
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1 teaspoon tomato paste
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for serving
Directions:
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In a blender, combine chicken bone broth, heavy cream, cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and tomato paste. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Pat chicken cutlets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Coat with flour and Italian seasoning, pressing lightly to adhere.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear the chicken cutlets for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
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Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, including any juices. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken and add the torn basil. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning sauce over chicken as it thickens slightly.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Overview of High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is a revamped take on the internet-famous “Marry Me Chicken” dish, which gained viral attention for its rich, creamy flavor and irresistible blend of Italian-inspired ingredients. This version maintains all the creamy decadence of the original while adding a smart nutritional twist: it’s protein-packed, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying meal that supports muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall wellness. By incorporating bone broth and cottage cheese, this dish adds depth of flavor and nutritional benefits without adding excess calories or overly complicating the recipe.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—despite its gourmet appearance and restaurant-quality flavor, it comes together in just one pan and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. That means it’s a viable option not only for special occasions but also for busy weeknights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Recipe That Earned Its Name
The name “Marry Me Chicken” stems from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While that may sound hyperbolic, one bite of the rich, creamy sauce combined with tender, seasoned chicken will show you exactly why this dish gained such popularity. It’s comforting, indulgent, yet made with real, nourishing ingredients. This high-protein version stays true to the core appeal while making it more aligned with modern dietary needs.
Instead of relying solely on heavy cream and cheese for its creaminess, this variation balances indulgence and nutrition by using protein-rich bone broth and cottage cheese. The result is a silky, flavorful sauce that coats each piece of golden seared chicken beautifully, delivering comfort food vibes without the post-meal slump.
Why This Dish Is a Nutritional Powerhouse
The secret to the nutritional upgrade lies in the substitution of chicken bone broth for standard broth, and the inclusion of cottage cheese in the sauce blend. Bone broth is not only rich in protein, but also provides collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut function. Meanwhile, cottage cheese is a surprisingly effective way to increase the protein content while helping the sauce stay creamy and thick.
The use of skinless chicken cutlets helps keep the fat content in check while providing a clean, lean protein source. Each serving of this dish provides a balanced macronutrient profile—ideal for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet, or for anyone seeking a hearty meal without excessive heaviness.
Flavor Profile and Culinary Technique
What makes Marry Me Chicken so addictive is its unique flavor combination. The sauce blends sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil—ingredients that provide a dynamic balance of umami, acidity, herbaceousness, and creamy richness. The tomato paste adds both color and a hint of tanginess, which elevates the overall taste and gives the dish its signature rosy hue.
The preparation method enhances flavor without overcomplicating the process. Searing the chicken until golden brown caramelizes the surface, locking in juices and adding flavor complexity. Deglazing the pan with the blended sauce captures all the browned bits left behind from searing, adding even more depth.
The final simmer allows the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken perfectly, resulting in a cohesive, restaurant-worthy entrée that feels luxurious with minimal effort.
Customization Options for Every Diet
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how versatile it is. While the recipe as written offers a high-protein boost with bone broth and cottage cheese, you can easily adapt it based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
For example, those avoiding dairy can substitute full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, though the protein boost from the cottage cheese will be lost. If you’re gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Vegetarians can adapt the sauce and use it as a topping for grilled tofu or seared cauliflower steaks.
Pairing options are just as flexible: serve the chicken over mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal, whole grain pasta for added fiber, or alongside roasted vegetables and quinoa for a hearty grain bowl.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish also shines in terms of practicality. It reheats well and maintains its texture and flavor, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Simply portion the chicken and sauce into individual containers and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s just as delicious reheated, and the flavors actually deepen over time.
You can even double the recipe and freeze portions for future use—perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants a satisfying, ready-to-go meal at their fingertips.
The Social Media Buzz and Viral Appeal
It’s no surprise that the original Marry Me Chicken recipe became a viral phenomenon—everything about it feels indulgent and share-worthy. From the visually stunning cream sauce to the tantalizing aroma of basil and garlic wafting through the kitchen, it’s a dish that commands attention.
In this protein-boosted variation, the social appeal is even stronger because it speaks to today’s wellness-conscious audience. Health and flavor rarely coexist in the same dish with such harmony. For food bloggers, nutritionists, or anyone cultivating an online food presence, this recipe delivers highly engaging content: reels, step-by-step stories, before-and-after plating shots, and quick meal tutorials all resonate with this recipe’s built-in wow factor.
Pairing Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
To complete the meal, consider pairing High-Protein Marry Me Chicken with complementary sides that support its flavor profile and texture. A crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slice is excellent for mopping up the extra sauce. If you’re aiming for a lighter plate, opt for sautéed spinach, steamed green beans, or a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
A well-chilled glass of white wine—like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc—pairs wonderfully with the creamy, tangy sauce. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with citrus or a cucumber-mint infused drink balances the dish’s richness.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
At the intersection of indulgent and nutritious, this version of Marry Me Chicken earns a place in your regular meal rotation. It ticks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, flexible, and full of protein. The one-pan prep also means minimal cleanup, making it even more appealing for busy home cooks or parents looking for something both kid-friendly and adult-worthy.
For those watching their macros, needing post-workout meals, or simply craving comfort food that doesn’t weigh them down, this dish fits effortlessly into any dietary plan without compromising taste or satisfaction.
Conclusion
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken is more than just a trend—it’s a recipe that marries flavor with function, indulgence with intention. It showcases how thoughtful ingredient swaps can transform a rich, comforting classic into a balanced, nutrient-dense meal fit for everyday cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish offers a winning combination of simplicity, sophistication, and nutrition.
Make it once, and you’ll understand the hype. Make it twice, and you might just propose to the recipe yourself.