The First Bite
The aroma of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen. I took my first bite of this chicken. The creamy sauce and tender chicken amazed me. Ever wondered how a simple dish can feel so special? It truly lives up to its charming name. I knew I had to share this recipe with you all.
My Kitchen Mishap
My first try had a funny moment. I forgot to pound the chicken thin. The thick parts took forever to cook through. We ate dinner very late that night. This reminds me that good food needs a little patience. Cooking at home teaches us to adapt and enjoy the process.
Why It Tastes So Good
Two things make this dish a winner. The creamy sauce is light but still rich. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy punch. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the creamy cheese with the spicy pepper flakes? Tell me what you think when you try it.
A Dish’s Story
This dish is a modern American classic. It became a huge hit on the internet. Home cooks loved its romantic story and easy steps. *Did you know the name comes from a marriage proposal story?* A woman made this chicken for her boyfriend. He liked it so much he proposed. Share your own cooking success stories with me.
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 medium | boneless, skinless |
| Cottage cheese | 1/2 cup | |
| Half-and-half (single cream) | 1/4 cup | |
| Low-sodium chicken stock | 2/3 cup | cooled |
| All-purpose/plain flour | 1 1/4 tablespoons | or 1 1/2 tbsp, see *Notes |
| Sundried tomatoes | 7 | drained, chopped, approx. 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | finely chopped |
| Italian herbs | 1 teaspoon | or herbes de Provence |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon | |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons | or sundried tomato oil |
| Sea salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Basil | 1 small bunch | leaves only |
Your New Weeknight Favorite
Step 1
Get your chicken ready for cooking. Pound it gently to make it even. This helps it cook perfectly. Then season it with a little salt and pepper.
Step 2
Make the secret sauce base. Blend your cottage cheese and cream. It will become smooth and creamy. Whisk in the flour until it is all mixed.
Step 3
Time to cook the chicken. Heat oil in your pan. Brown the chicken on both sides. (A hard-learned tip: use a hot pan for a good sear).
Step 4
Cook the tomatoes and garlic. They will make your kitchen smell amazing. Stir in the herbs and pepper flakes. This only takes a couple minutes.
Step 5
Pour in your chicken stock. Then whisk in the cottage cheese mix. It will create a rich, creamy sauce. Bring it all to a simmer.
Step 6
Add the chicken back to the pan. Let everything cook together for a few minutes. The chicken will be juicy and tender. Do not overcook it.
What is the secret to a smooth sauce? Share below!
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Chicken
Make It Your Own
This dish is so easy to change up. Try one of these fun twists for your family. You can make it new every time.Mushroom Lover’s Swap: Use sliced mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the sauce so well.
Extra Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce works great too.
Spring Veggie Delight: Add asparagus and peas. They bring a fresh, green flavor to the plate. Which creative spin would you try first? Let me know in the comments!
How To Serve It Up
This creamy chicken deserves the perfect partners. I love it over a bed of pasta. Fluffy rice or mashed potatoes are great too. They soak up all that delicious sauce. For a drink, try a crisp white wine. A non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade is also perfect. It cuts through the rich flavor nicely. Which would you choose tonight, the wine or the lemonade?
Storing Your Leftovers
Let’s talk about keeping your chicken tasty. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth. This keeps the chicken from drying out. You can also freeze this dish for a quick future meal. *I always make a double batch for this very reason.
Quick Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your sauce too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer uncovered. If it’s too thick, just add a little more chicken stock. Found the flavor a bit mild? A pinch more salt or herbs can fix that. My grandkids once added too many pepper flakes. We just stirred in extra cream to calm the heat. Cooking is all about adjusting to your taste.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish and refrigerate it before cooking.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great swap for a similar creamy result.
How do I double this for a crowd?
Double all ingredients. Use a very large pan so everything fits.
Why pound the chicken first?
It helps the chicken cook evenly. No one gets a dry, thick piece.
Sharing the Love
I hope this recipe brings joy to your table. It is a favorite in my home. Did you give it a try? I would love to see your creation.
Share your photos and tag Amelia Hartwell on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.
Healthy Marry Me Chicken Recipe for a Romantic Dinner
Description
A creamy and flavorful chicken dish perfect for a special occasion, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a light, herby sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Place the chicken breasts (cut side up) on top of a large cutting board and cover with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan, lightly pound the thicker part of the chicken breasts to tenderize and flatten them a little. Remove the wrap/paper, season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside.
- Prepare thickening mixture: Puree the cottage cheese with cream until smooth. Whisk in the flour and set aside.
- Sear chicken: In a large skillet/frying pan heat 1½ tablespoons of oil, add the chicken breasts and cook over a medium heat for about 4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl (leaving the juices and oil in the pan).
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: To the same pan add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, dried herbs and pepper flakes and cook over a medium/low heat for about 1½-2 minutes stirring all the time (add ½ tablespoon of oil if needed).
- Make sauce: Add the chicken stock and immediately whisk in the cottage cheese mixture.
- Assemble: Add the chicken (along with the juices), stir, cover, bring to a simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (be careful not to overcook it).TIP: Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Serve: Remove from the heat and scatter finely chopped basil leaves over the top. Serve.
Notes
- *Notes: Use 1½ tablespoons of flour for a slightly thicker sauce.
