Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me chicken is a dish so delicious that one bite will make anyone say, “I do!”

It features juicy chicken, salty bacon, and chewy sun-dried tomatoes covered in a rich and creamy sauce.

After only 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, your romantic dinner is served. So get ready to fall in love because this chicken is as good as it gets!

What Is Marry Me Chicken?

After taking your first bite, you’ll see why this dish was dubbed “Marry Me Chicken.”

Fun fact: a similarly named dish, Engagement Chicken, was published in the ‘80s by Glamour Magazine.

According to the publication, some staffers got proposed to after making it for their dates.

Ingredients 

Here’s everything you need to whip up this fantastic recipe:

• Chicken. The recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. But you can also use boneless chicken thighs or tenders for juicier meat.

• Butter. For searing the chicken. Feel free to use olive, canola, vegetable, sunflower, or avocado oil if you prefer.

• Garlic, Oregano, and Thyme. For flavor and aroma.

• Chicken Broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the level of salt.

• Bacon. Because everything is better with bacon.

• Angel Hair Pasta. This dish has a thick and creamy sauce, so it only makes sense to serve with pasta!

• Flour. To thicken the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese. For a salty umami flavor. It also aids in thickening the sauce.

• Whipping Cream. The main component of the sauce. Now is not the time to go on a diet! Stick to full-fat cream for maximum flavor.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes. The key ingredient that makes this dish a sensation. The sweetness and tanginess complement the chicken well.

• Red Pepper Flakes and Salt. For a bit of a kick and to balance the flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken

Follow these simple steps to make this irresistible chicken dish:

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, flipping once. Remove and set aside on paper towels.

2. Slice and pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season them with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the chicken in the same skillet. Add the butter and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and cover loosely with foil.

4. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.

5. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic, oregano, and thyme. Add half the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up brown bits.

6. Whisk the flour into the broth until smooth. Gradually add the remaining broth and cream, whisking to a smooth, thick sauce.

7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly until melted. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.

8. Return chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat well. Heat through.

9. Serve marry me chicken and sauce over pasta, garnished with parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Yes, you can make this dish in your slow cooker!

The key is to cook it low and slow, so the chicken remains tender and juicy. If you crank the heat to high, it will likely come out tough.

Follow these easy steps for the slow cooker recipe:

1. Season and sear the chicken. Do this in a skillet in butter until golden.
   
2. Mix the chicken broth and cornstarch in a bowl. When smooth, pour it into the slow cooker pot.
   
3. Add the heavy cream, garlic, and seasonings. Give it a mix, then place the chicken into the pot and gently press it under the sauce.
   
4. Top the chicken with the sundried tomatoes. Cook it on low for 6-7 hours.
   
5. Make the pasta last. Do this about 10 minutes before serving in a saucepan on the stove.

Tips for the Best Chicken 

This chicken is so amazing, it’s tough to top. But following a few easy tricks makes it even better.

• Pick your pan wisely. Use a non-stick, heavy-bottom skillet for even cooking. If you want to toss the pasta too, make sure it’s big enough with tall sides.

• Cut and pound the chicken breasts. It’s a useful technique to help the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Alternatively, buy chicken cutlets.

• Grate your own cheese. While it’s more convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that reduce its melting potential. It’s more expensive, too!

• Season it up. Besides oregano and thyme, feel free to use other herbs and seasonings. Rosemary, sage, and tarragon also go well with chicken.

What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me chicken is already such a stunning dish. But if you want to make your date fall in love with you even more, here are some serving suggestions.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Garlic Bread
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Don’t forget the wine! A bottle of Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with this dish.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations you can try to level up this recipe even more.

• Add some greens. Try throwing in a handful of fresh spinach. It’ll wilt in the sauce and make it even more colorful.

• Get cheesy. Try different cheeses like Romano or even cream cheese.

• Lighten it up. For a lower-fat version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.

• Ditch the dairy. Use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast in place of the cheese for a dairy-free version.

• Try salmon or pork instead of chicken. It makes for another classy, proposal-worthy dish!

How to Store

If you have leftover marry me chicken, here’s how to store it properly so it stays fresh.

To Store: Place leftover chicken in an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water to a skillet or baking dish. Reheat on the stove over medium or in the oven at 350°F until hot.

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. The consistency will change because of the creamy base.

More Chicken Recipes to Try

Peri Peri Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole