Every now and then, I come across a recipe that instantly transforms a simple dinner into something truly special—like this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken. Picture yourself bustling around the kitchen after a long day, only to be met with the intoxicating aroma of garlic and Italian herbs filling the air. It’s a delightful reminder that home-cooked meals can be both nourishing and indulgent.
This creamy, flavor-packed dish features tender chicken cutlets, enveloped in a velvety sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and just the right hint of spice. It’s the kind of meal that turns weeknight exhaustion into happy heartbeats around the dinner table. Plus, its high-protein content makes it a guilt-free pleasure that won’t derail your health goals.
Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply seeking to escape the clutches of fast food, this one-pan wonder is quick-to-cook and easy-to-love. Trust me, one bite of this Marry Me Chicken might just lead to the kind of culinary romance you’ve been yearning for!
Why is High-Protein Marry Me Chicken so special?
Easy Peasy: This recipe is a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavor Explosion: The velvety sauce, loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, is both creamy and tangy, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Protein-Packed: With lean chicken and cottage cheese, it’s a high-protein meal that supports your health goals while satisfying your cravings.
Versatile Base: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even greens for a customizable meal that fits any diet.
Time-Saver: Perfect for those busy weeknights; it comes together in just about 30 minutes.
Get ready to impress your family with this delicious dish that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
For the Sauce
- Chicken Bone Broth – Adds depth and richness; can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth.
- Heavy Cream – Provides creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Whole Milk Cottage Cheese – Increases protein while maintaining a smooth texture; ricotta can be used if needed.
- Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Infuses a sweet, tangy flavor; fresh tomatoes can replace them but require longer cooking.
- Grated Parmesan – Enhances the sauce’s saltiness; freshly grated is preferred or use Pecorino Romano.
- Tomato Paste – Adds acidity and depth; reduce if less sweetness is desired.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Cutlets – A lean protein source; use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
- All-Purpose Flour – Aids in breading cutlets and thickening sauce; gluten-free flour is a good substitute.
- Italian Seasoning – Delivers the essence of Italian flavors; individual herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can also be used.
For Cooking
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – For sautéing and flavor; can substitute with canola or avocado oil.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; reduce or replace with more olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic – Essential for aromatic flavor; adjust the amount for more intensity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a touch of heat; omit for a milder dish or swap for black pepper.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust based on broth and cheese saltiness.
- Black Pepper – Provides a hint of kick; modify to taste.
For Garnish
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Provides freshness and an aromatic finish; can substitute with parsley or omit if unavailable.
Now, gather these ingredients, and let’s create magic in your kitchen with this delightful High-Protein Marry Me Chicken recipe!
How to Make High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
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Prepare Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in a mixture of all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly coated for a delicious outer crust.
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Sear Chicken: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cutlets and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter, then add chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, filling the kitchen with an inviting aroma.
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Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine chicken bone broth, heavy cream, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Blend until completely smooth for a creamy texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the blended sauce over the cutlets and stir in torn fresh basil. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
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Serve: Plate your delicious chicken and sauce, garnishing with extra basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that finishing touch.
Optional: Serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for an extra special treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the High-Protein Marry Me Chicken ahead of time is a game changer for busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken cutlets and dredge them in flour up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply keep the breaded cutlets in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly to maintain their texture. Additionally, you can blend the creamy sauce components (broth, cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste) and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, just sear the cutlets and heat the sauce in a skillet until warmed through. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
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Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is truly hot before adding the chicken cutlets. This helps achieve a perfect golden crust and keeps the chicken juicy.
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Smooth Sauce: Blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps from the cottage cheese, ensuring a velvety texture in your High-Protein Marry Me Chicken.
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Seasoning Care: Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving, especially if you’re using salty broths or cheese to prevent your dish from being overly salty.
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No Burnt Garlic: Watch the garlic closely when sautéing. If it turns too dark, it can become bitter, ruining the delicious flavor of your sauce.
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Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
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Add Greens: Consider adding spinach or other veggies while combining ingredients for added nutrition and a splash of color to your High-Protein Marry Me Chicken!
What to Serve with High-Protein Marry Me Chicken?
Your dinner will come alive with a collection of delightful sides that perfectly complement the creamy indulgence of this chicken dish!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the velvety sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for savoring every drop of the rich sauce.
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Roasted Asparagus: These crisp, vibrant green spears bring a fresh crunch to the table and highlight the dish’s savory notes with their light char.
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Quinoa Salad: A nutty, protein-packed salad adds a refreshing contrast while soaking up the sauce for a wholesome meal.
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Fresh Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil offer a bright, tangy freshness that enhances the comfort of your chicken.
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Pasta Aglio e Olio: Delicate, garlicky spaghetti makes for a delicious pairing, harmonizing with the spices of the High-Protein Marry Me Chicken while keeping it hearty.
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Light White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s richness with its crisp acidity, rounding off your dining experience with a touch of elegance.
When it comes down to it, these sides not only elevate your meal but also bring joy and warmth to your dining table, making every dinner a cherished occasion.
How to Store and Freeze High-Protein Marry Me Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal freshness.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to resaturate the sauce for a creamy texture.
Room Temperature: Do not leave the High-Protein Marry Me Chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to this recipe, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a delightful nutty twist. This can make your dish suitable for lactose-intolerant friends!
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Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a nutritional lift. They add texture and a deeper flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Zesty Upgrade: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a refreshing pop of flavor. It brightens the dish and complements the richness wonderfully.
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Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour for the chicken dredge. It will still give you that crispy texture without the gluten.
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Spice It Up: Elevate the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. This fiery kick could become your new favorite version!
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Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary instead of basil for a fresh twist. Each herb brings its own unique aroma and flavor profile.
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Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch and unexpected richness. Texture variations can turn an ordinary meal into something extra special.
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Protein-Packed: For even more protein, consider adding chickpeas or white beans to the sauce. This not only boosts nutrition but also enhances the dish’s heartiness.
High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right chicken cutlets for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken cutlets, look for those that are plump and have a pinkish hue—discard any with dark spots or unpleasant odors. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great alternative if needed!
What’s the best way to store leftovers from High-Protein Marry Me Chicken?
I recommend placing any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerating them. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to lock in that creamy goodness!
Can I freeze my High-Protein Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can! To freeze, portion the chicken into airtight containers or freezer bags. Just remember to remove as much air as possible. It will stay good for up to 3 months. For the best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating.
What should I do if the sauce turns lumpy?
Very common! If you notice lumps in your sauce, don’t fret. Blend the sauce a bit more until it achieves that smooth, velvety texture. If you’ve already combined it with the chicken, try whisking it vigorously on low heat to break up any clumps!
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to lower the calories, reduce the amount of cream or use a dairy-free substitute. For gluten-free options, simply swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Plus, feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor!
Delicious High-Protein Marry Me Chicken for Weeknight Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in a mixture of all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning, ensuring they're evenly coated for a delicious outer crust.
- Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cutlets and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter, then add chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, filling the kitchen with an inviting aroma.
- In a blender, combine chicken bone broth, heavy cream, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Blend until completely smooth for a creamy texture.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the blended sauce over the cutlets and stir in torn fresh basil. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Plate your delicious chicken and sauce, garnishing with extra basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that finishing touch.