Description
This healthy Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts in a creamy sundried tomato sauce made with cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed twist. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup (120 g) cottage cheese
1/4 cup (60 ml) half-and-half cream
2/3 cup (160 ml) low-sodium chicken stock, cooled
1 1/4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
7 sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or sundried tomato oil
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Small bunch basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap or parchment paper, and lightly pound thicker areas for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Blend the cottage cheese and half-and-half until completely smooth. Whisk in the flour and set aside.
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl, leaving the juices in the skillet.
- Add the sundried tomatoes, garlic, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Add the remaining oil if needed.
- Pour in the chicken stock and immediately whisk in the cottage cheese mixture until smooth.
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir gently, cover, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with chopped basil before serving.
Notes
Add fresh spinach for extra nutrients and color.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
Sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers make excellent additions.
Reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently and add a splash of chicken stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg