If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with protein, you’re going to love this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe. I first stumbled upon this take on the classic “Marry Me Chicken” when I wanted something creamy and flavorful—without sacrificing my protein goals. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil in a velvety sauce is simply divine, and best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Stick with me here, and I promise you’ll be adding this recipe to your weekly rotation in no time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein: It’s perfect for anyone looking to fuel up without sacrificing flavor.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The cottage cheese adds a unique creaminess that’s lighter than heavy cream alone.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find these in most pantries or easily at the store.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe works to build a sauce that’s creamy and tangy with just the right hit of fresh herbs. The protein punch comes from the chicken and cottage cheese, and adding sun-dried tomatoes gives a sweet, savory depth that I love. When you shop, look for bone broth without too many additives for best flavor.

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Ingredients

Chicken bone broth: Make sure it’s good quality since it’s the base of your sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Whole milk cottage cheese: This sneaky ingredient amps up protein and makes the sauce silky.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil for extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that sharp, nutty note.
Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor boosts the sauce without extra liquid.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring it all together.
Chicken cutlets: Thin cutlets cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and browns nicely.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend for that comforting aroma.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness when you cook the garlic.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is always best—mince finely.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a little heat.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds brightness; toss some in and save more for garnish.

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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 experimenting with this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe, and you might too! Whether you want to lighten it up, add a little twist, or make it your own, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

Variation: I sometimes swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt to cut calories, and it still keeps the sauce creamy and protein-rich.
Variation: For an herby boost, try adding fresh thyme or oregano along with the basil—it changes the flavor profile beautifully.
Variation: If you’re avoiding dairy, look for lactose-free cream and cottage cheese substitutes, though I haven’t tested this yet personally.
Variation: You could easily swap chicken cutlets for turkey cutlets for a leaner protein option.

How to Make High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Sauce Base

This step is where the magic begins. Pop the chicken bone broth, heavy cream, whole milk cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tomato paste into your blender. Puree it until super smooth. Trust me, this creates a luscious sauce that’s creamy but not too heavy. Season it well with salt and pepper to balance out the richness before moving on.

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken cutlets dry to ensure a nice crust when searing. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning on both sides. I like to press it gently with my fingers so the coating sticks well—this also helps develop a beautifully golden crust when cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken Cutlets

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets in batches if needed, so they’re not crowded—this helps them brown evenly. About 5 minutes per side will give you an irresistible golden color. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before adding the sauce.

Step 4: Build Depth with Garlic and Spices

Lower the heat to medium-low, then melt unsalted butter in the same skillet. Toss in finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring and scraping up the browned bits from the chicken—they’re packed with flavor. This only takes about 30 seconds but makes a world of difference in the sauce’s complexity.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the browned chicken and any juices that accumulated back to the skillet. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken, then add torn basil leaves. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as you go, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed—this finishing simmer melds all the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Divide the chicken cutlets between your plates. Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan and basil on top—it adds a nice fresh touch and a bit of that salty punch. This final garnish really brings the dish to life!

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Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Patting the Chicken Dry: Dry chicken crisps up way better, so take that extra minute before seasoning.
Use a Blender for the Sauce: This gives you a silky texture that’s hard to beat, and it evenly incorporates the cottage cheese without lumps.
Simmer Gently for Thickening: Avoid boiling the sauce; a gentle simmer lets it thicken while keeping the creaminess.
Reserve Juices from Chicken: Those flavorful drippings add so much depth to the sauce—don’t pour them down the drain!

How to Serve High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe

High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a good sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and extra freshly grated Parmesan. The basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that contrasts the richness perfectly. Sometimes I’ll add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving—it’s those little touches that elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

This chicken goes amazingly well with a simple side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. I also love pairing it with a bed of quinoa or farro to soak up that impressive sauce. When time’s tight, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this chicken over creamy polenta and garnished the plate with edible flowers or microgreens to make the presentation pop. Another fun idea is plating the chicken on slices of toasted rustic bread for an elegant open-faced sandwich that’s great for brunch or lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I like to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy. If you plan to eat leftovers within a couple of days, this method keeps the chicken moist and flavors vibrant.

Freezing

Freezing the chicken and sauce is definitely doable, though I recommend freezing them separately if possible. The sauce can sometimes separate a bit when frozen and thawed, but a good whisk or blend after thawing usually brings it back. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning. Alternatively, microwaving works if you do it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets in this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a little extra moisture and richness due to their higher fat content. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since thighs are thicker; cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are nicely browned.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cottage cheese?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute canned coconut milk for the heavy cream and try a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or silken tofu blended into the sauce for creaminess. Keep in mind the flavor will shift, but it’s worth testing if you have dietary restrictions.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Since this sauce includes cream and cottage cheese, it’s important to keep heat moderate and avoid boiling—simmer gently. Also, adding the dairy ingredients gradually and stirring frequently will help maintain that velvety texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve, then combine and simmer the two together briefly to heat through.
What can I serve with this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken to keep it healthy?

Steamed veggies, cauliflower rice, or a light quinoa salad complement this dish well while keeping the meal high-protein and balanced. The sauce is rich, so pairing with something fresh helps balance your plate.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Marry Me Chicken Recipe has become one of my favorites for those nights when I want something comforting, elegant, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable yet impressive—trust me, your family or guests will ask for seconds. Try it once, and you’ll understand why I keep going back to this recipe again and again. Happy cooking!