The name Marry Me Chicken isn’t just clever—it’s romantic folklore. The dish earned its name because it’s said to be so irresistibly good, it could inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite. The creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato–infused sauce has become a viral sensation, thanks to food bloggers and home cooks who swear by its magic. It’s a modern classic rooted in Italian-American flavors, and its popularity exploded through social media and Pinterest boards.
Legend has it a bite of this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a proposal. Creamy, garlicky, and studded with sun-dried tomatoes—it’s pure culinary magic.
Classic Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and halved)
- Salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup white wine or chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomato strips
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh thyme, oregano, and basil to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oil. Sear in a skillet until golden, then set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine or stock, then stir in mustard, remaining stock, cream, tomatoes, chili flakes, and Parmesan.
- Simmer until thickened, then add herbs.
- Return chicken to pan, coat with sauce, and simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Serve with extra herbs and cheese on top.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and skip the cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
🍽️ Best Sides to Serve With It
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice to soak up the sauce
- Pasta (especially fettuccine or penne)
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance
