What is Marry Me Chicken, anyway?

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and cream. It earned its romantic name because it’s that delicious—supposedly good enough to trigger a marriage proposal! Think of it as comfort food with a gourmet twist. Our rice version? Same dreamy flavor, just heartier and more budget-friendly because everything cooks in one pan.

How do you make Marry Me Chicken?

It doesn’t get easier—or more satisfying—than this. Here’s the rundown: Start by browning your chicken in a bit of butter; not only does this build flavor, it also adds a solid boost of lean protein to the dish. Next, toss in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and simple pantry spices to layer in richness. Add rice and chicken broth , then let everything simmer together until it’s tender and cozy. Finally, stir in a swirl of cream and handfuls of melty cheese to bring it all together in a creamy, protein-packed finish. It’s a hearty, one-pan dinner that checks every box: easy, affordable, and full of flavor—plus enough protein to keep everyone full and happy.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

Great question! Since it’s already creamy and filling, you’ll want something fresh or simple on the side: Steamed green beans or peas A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette Roasted veggies like asparagus or carrots Garlic bread or warm rolls to mop up the sauce Or, honestly? Just a fork. It’s a full meal on its own!

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

Because apparently, when someone tastes it, they fall in love— with the cook! Legend has it a food editor tried it and said, “I’d marry you for this chicken.” And the name stuck. Whether or not you get a proposal, one thing’s for sure: people will ask for seconds.

The Best Marry Me Chicken And Rice

Description

This creamy chicken and rice skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and easily adaptable for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes (or use chicken thighs for a budget-friendly option)

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp minced garlic

⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)

1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed

2 cups chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and cubed chicken.
Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let it sizzle for about 1 minute.
Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the heavy cream and ¾ cup of mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, or place under the broiler until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with Parmesan and dried parsley, if using. Serve warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative.

Brown rice can be used but requires an additional 10–15 minutes of cooking time and extra broth.

Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: easy creamy chicken and rice, one-pan chicken dinner, sun-dried tomato chicken rice, quick chicken skillet