Name: High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 111 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and packs a protein punch, you’re in for a real treat with this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how this version turns out—rich, comforting, and surprisingly healthy thanks to some smart swaps that pump up the protein without sacrificing that silky sauce we all adore. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how luscious the sauce was, and my family practically begged me to make it again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein: Thanks to cottage cheese and bone broth, this gives a satisfying protein boost without heaviness.
Creamy & Flavorful Sauce: The combo of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil creates a sauce that’s bursting with depth.
Quick & Easy: Prep and cooking takes about 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special.
Family Favorite: My loved ones keep requesting this recipe because of its rich taste and satisfying texture.

A white plate holds a dish with two main parts: on one side, a layer of cooked chicken covered with a thick, creamy orange sauce with visible bits of herbs and small red pieces, garnished with grated white cheese and green herbs on top; on the other side, a pile of fresh, dark green spinach leaves, some with drops of oil and specks of cracked black pepper; the plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - High-Protein Marry Me Chicken, healthy creamy chicken dish, protein-packed chicken recipe, low-carb comfort food, easy healthy chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe plays a role in balancing taste and nutrition, making each bite both indulgent and wholesome. I recommend choosing fresh chicken breasts and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken cutlets with light seasoning, two whole garlic cloves, small white bowl of chopped sun-dried tomato halves, small white bowl of creamy whole milk cottage cheese, small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, small white bowl of thick chicken bone broth, small white bowl of heavy cream, small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, small white bowl of unsalted butter, small white bowl of all-purpose flour, small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, fresh torn basil leaves arranged neatly, small white bowl of mixed kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical on simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - High-Protein Marry Me Chicken, healthy creamy chicken dish, protein-packed chicken recipe, low-carb comfort food, easy healthy chicken dinner

Chicken bone broth: Adds savory depth and extra protein, plus keeps the sauce silky.
Heavy cream: Gives richness and smooth texture, balancing the tang from cottage cheese.
Whole milk cottage cheese: A sneaky protein booster that keeps the sauce creamy without adding grit.
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Give a sweet and tart burst that brightens the sauce beautifully.
Finely grated Parmesan: For umami and saltiness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
Tomato paste: Concentrates that classic tomato flavor without extra liquid.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout layers, so don’t skimp!
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little heat and sharpness to balance creaminess.
Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets: Thin and quick-cooking for tender, juicy chicken.
All-purpose flour: Helps the golden crust form and thickens the sauce a bit.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that pairs perfectly with the basil and garlic.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing chicken with a lovely aroma and flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce base when melting garlic.
Finely chopped garlic cloves: Aroma and flavor base—make sure to mince well!
Crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle heat that livens the sauce without overpowering.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn and stirred in at the end for vibrant color and fragrant freshness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe is — once you nail the basics, you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Low-Carb Variation: Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly crust, which my friends following low-carb diets have really enjoyed.
Spicy Kick: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce—I find this amps up the flavor when I want more heat.
Cheese Swap: Try swapping Parmesan with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese profile—I did this once for a special dinner and it was a hit!
Fresh Herbs Swap: Mix in fresh thyme or oregano if basil isn’t available; I’ve found this adds an earthy twist.

How to Make High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Sauce Base

Start by dumping the chicken bone broth, heavy cream, cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tomato paste into a blender. Puree until completely smooth—that’s key into getting a silky, lump-free sauce. Give it a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This base packs the flavor punch that makes the whole dish irresistible!

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels—this helps them brown nicely. Season all over with salt and pepper. Next, sprinkle the chicken with flour and Italian seasoning, pressing the mixture gently so it sticks. This step creates a light crust that locks in juiciness.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Cutlets

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken in the pan—don’t crowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed. Let each side cook about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and give it a 5-minute rest to keep the meat tender.

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds)—watch closely to avoid burning. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the pan sides; that’s pure flavor magic!

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken and any juices on the plate back to the skillet. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce on top, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Divide the chicken among plates and sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for that final burst of flavor and color. This is when the dish really steals the show visually — so pretty and appetizing!

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Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Blender: Pureeing cottage cheese with the liquids makes an ultra-smooth sauce; trust me, I tried stirring it directly and the texture was off.
Patience with Searing: Give your chicken enough time to brown properly on each side—rushing leads to sticking and uneven cooking.
Scrape Up Those Bits: When melting butter and garlic, scraping the pan infuses the sauce with tons of savory flavor you just can’t buy.
Use Fresh Basil Last: Adding it toward the end keeps the flavor bright and prevents it from turning bitter.

How to Serve High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The image shows four pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken in a pan, covered with thick orange sauce mixed with green spinach leaves. The sauce has a smooth texture with some small bubbles and a slight shine. The chicken pieces appear tender with light black grill marks, and there are some white salt flakes sprinkled on top. A white spatula is lifting one piece of chicken from the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - High-Protein Marry Me Chicken, healthy creamy chicken dish, protein-packed chicken recipe, low-carb comfort food, easy healthy chicken dinner

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn fresh basil leaves on top—that fresh herb aroma instantly lifts the dish. Sometimes I’ll add a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil to finish it off and give a subtle sheen that makes it feel restaurant-level.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this chicken recipe are simple: roasted asparagus or green beans for brightness, and a creamy cauliflower mash or brown rice to soak up that incredible sauce. My family especially loves pairing it with garlic butter mashed potatoes because every bite becomes pure indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love plating this dish over a nest of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to add that wow factor. It’s always fun to dress up such a comforting classic and impress guests with a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. I’ve found the sauce thickens a bit overnight, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well—just cool completely and transfer into freezer-safe containers. When I froze some for busy nights, the sauce maintained its creamy texture nicely, and the chicken stayed tender after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth to revive the sauce. Microwave works too, but go slow and stir often to keep the texture smooth and avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken cutlets?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great if you prefer darker meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—they may need a few more minutes to cook through and get that lovely sear.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

Yes! You can swap the heavy cream and cottage cheese for coconut cream or cashew cream. Also, replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can blend the sauce ingredients a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before using, and add a bit of broth if it’s thickened too much. Fresh basil is best added during the last cooking step for optimum flavor.
What makes this a “High-Protein” Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

The inclusion of nutrient-dense ingredients like cottage cheese and chicken bone broth significantly boosts protein content in this recipe compared to traditional versions, making it a great choice for anyone looking to up their protein intake.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly balanced and nourishing. I highly recommend giving it a try—you’ll enjoy how it transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something memorable, and it might just become a new favorite in your rotation like it did for me and my family!