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This high-protein version of Marry Me Chicken takes the beloved creamy, flavorful dish up a notch by boosting the protein without losing the sauce’s signature silky texture. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly with tender chicken cutlets and a luscious sauce enriched by cottage cheese and bone broth. Perfect for those evenings when you want dinner to feel both indulgent and nourishing.
Ingredients
- Chicken bone broth: offers rich flavor and nutrients that deepen the sauce
- Heavy cream: adds the creamy base that makes the sauce indulgent
- Whole milk cottage cheese: boosts protein and blends smoothly when pureed
- Sun-dried tomatoes: bring bright acidity and a rosy color to the sauce
- Finely grated Parmesan: injects salty umami and thickens the sauce slightly
- Tomato paste: intensifies tomato flavor and adds a slight tang
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: season everything perfectly
- Boneless skinless chicken cutlets: cook quickly and absorb flavors well
- All-purpose flour: helps create a light crust on the chicken for texture
- Italian seasoning: adds fragrant herb notes to the coating
- Extra-virgin olive oil: ensures even browning and adds richness
- Unsalted butter: carries aromatic garlic and crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh garlic: adds pungent aroma and depth
- Crushed red pepper flakes: give a gentle, warming heat
- Fresh basil: adds bright herbal freshness at the end
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Smoother the Sauce:
- In a blender combine chicken bone broth, heavy cream, cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and tomato paste until entirely smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to balance the flavors.
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken cutlets dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour mixed with Italian seasoning over the cutlets, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Brown the Cutlets:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets carefully and cook about five minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest briefly to keep juices locked in.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and scrape the skillet bottom to release flavorful browned bits until you smell a fragrant garlic aroma, about 30 seconds.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the rested chicken with any juices back to the skillet. Pour the blended sauce evenly over the cutlets. Add torn fresh basil leaves. Simmer gently while spooning sauce over the chicken until the sauce thickens slightly, five to seven minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the chicken among plates and spoon more sauce over each piece. Top generously with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil to brighten the dish.
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Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. It also freezes well but sauce texture may change slightly when thawed.
Ingredient substitutions
Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth can replace bone broth but with less protein and richness. Greek yogurt can stand in for cottage cheese in a pinch but blend carefully to maintain smoothness. Fresh tomatoes can replace sun-dried tomatoes if cooked down well to concentrate flavor.
Serving suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or light pasta such as angel hair complements this dish nicely. Quinoa or steamed vegetables work for a wholesome balanced meal.
Cultural context
Marry Me Chicken is a modern classic recipe that gained fame on food blogs and social media as a romantic crowd-pleaser. It blends Italian-inspired flavors from garlic, basil, and Parmesan with creamy tomato sauce. This protein-rich spin honors that tradition while making it more nutritious and satisfying for busy weeknight dinners.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What makes the sauce creamy and smooth?
The smooth texture comes from blending bone broth, heavy cream, cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tomato paste into a silky sauce.
- → Why use thin chicken cutlets?
Thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a golden crust without drying out the meat.
- → Can I substitute the bone broth?
While bone broth adds richer flavor, you can use chicken broth for a lighter version if preferred.
- → How do garlic and red pepper flakes impact the dish?
Sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in butter releases aromatic notes and a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or cooked pasta or quinoa to soak up the sauce.