If you’re looking for a dip that will absolutely wow your friends and family, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love how this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe turns out—it’s rich, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors that made the original Marry Me Chicken dish famous. Seriously, once you try this, it might just become your go-to for game days, potlucks, or casual nights in. Ready to dive into something that’s both comforting and impressively delicious? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: This dip packs that signature Marry Me Chicken flavor with creamy, cheesy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: You don’t have to be a pro chef to whip this up—it braises and shreds chicken right in one pan, saving you time and mess.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family night or a party with friends, this dip fits right in and steals the show.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the spices or cheeses to your liking without losing that beloved Marry Me Chicken magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe come together perfectly to create a creamy, savory dip that bursts with sun-dried tomato and Italian seasoning notes. Make sure to grab quality cheeses and fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed chicken for easy shredding and great texture.
- Sun-dried tomato oil: This packs a punch of flavor—if you don’t have the oil, you can gently infuse olive oil with sun-dried tomato bits instead.
- Smoked paprika and Italian seasoning: These spices are key to mimicking that classic Marry Me Chicken flavor—don’t skip them!
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth for the braising step, making the chicken tender and shreddable.
- Sour cream and cream cheese: They blend together to create a luscious, velvety base for the dip.
- Spinach: I love how the fresh greens add color and a bit of health, without overpowering the creamy dip.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped finely, they bring that intense tomato tang that makes the dip stand out.
- Dry shallots and garlic powder: For that subtle onion-garlic flavor boost, balanced just right.
- Basil, Italian seasonings, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper: Layering these herbs and spices makes the dip so complex and satisfying.
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheese: These melt beautifully and add that irresistible cheesy stretch and sharpness.
- Additional cheese for topping: Your call here—load it up for extra ooey-gooey goodness!
Variations
I like to play around with this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe depending on who I’m serving and the occasion. Don’t be shy about tweaking it a bit to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce—my family loves it with that little heat boost!
- Low-carb Version: Skip the extra cheese topping and serve with cucumber or celery sticks instead of chips for a lighter option.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some chopped roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for added veggies and flavor complexity.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First things first, pat your chicken dry and coat both sides evenly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to mix the spices in a small bowl then press the chicken down into the mixture so the coating sticks nicely. Heat your sun-dried tomato oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. When hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden color. This step locks in flavor and creates a nice crust that holds up when braising.
Step 2: Braise the Chicken in Broth
Next, pour enough chicken broth into the pan to almost cover the chicken—this moisture is what transforms the breasts into tender, shreddable meat. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the broth doesn’t evaporate completely. When done, the chicken should shred easily with a fork. This braising process is a total game changer for making juicy, shreddable chicken without drying it out.
Step 3: Shred and Mix the Dip Ingredients
Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and use a hand mixer or two forks to shred it finely. Then, stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped dry shallots, garlic powder, basil, extra Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Finally, fold in the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. This step is when this dip really starts to come together—the creamy and cheesy textures with robust flavors make it irresistible.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
If you want that ultimate melted cheesy top, spread the dip into a baking dish, sprinkle your favorite extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. I love serving it hot right out of the oven with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies. Trust me—people will ask for the recipe in no time.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
- Use Sun-Dried Tomato Oil for Depth: I discovered this trick when I first made Marry Me dishes—the oil from the jar is packed with flavor and makes the dip taste extra special.
- Don’t Rush the Braise: That low and slow simmer is what makes the chicken so tender; skipping it usually results in dry, tough meat.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: It’s way easier to shred, and your dip will have the perfect texture without lumps of large chunks.
- Balance the Cheese: Using a combo of parmesan and mozzarella gives the dip both sharpness and melty gooeyness—don’t just rely on one cheese.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves on top before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a burst of herbaceous flavor that balances the rich dip perfectly. You can also add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of extra smoked paprika for flair.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this dip are simple and crowd-pleasing: crisp pita chips, crunchy celery sticks, or buttery crostini rounds. For something heartier, I sometimes serve it alongside a fresh green salad or grilled veggies to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve the Marry Me Chicken Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl—it’s a fun, rustic centerpiece that doubles as an edible serving vessel. You could also portion it out into small ramekins for individual servings, which feels extra special for a dinner party or date night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to cool the dip completely before sealing it to keep that creamy texture intact and prevent any condensation from making it watery.
Freezing
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe works surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake or warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally until smooth again.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep it creamy and smooth. Microwaving can work if you’re in a hurry but do it in short bursts and stir in between to avoid uneven hot spots.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dip instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and still yield a delicious dip. Just shred the chicken and stir it in at the same stage you would after shredding the fresh chicken. You may want to reduce the salt slightly since store-bought chicken can be salty.
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Is this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe spicy?
This recipe is flavorful but mild by default. If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Otherwise, it’s perfect for kids and those who prefer non-spicy dishes.
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Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the entire dip a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and then bake it right before serving. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.
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What’s the best way to serve this dip for a party?
Serve it warm in a bread bowl or a heated casserole dish with plenty of dippers like crackers, crostini, pita chips, and fresh veggies. Setting out small plates and spoons can make it easy and mess-free for guests.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is straightforward to make, and it always brings people together around the table. I discovered this recipe while looking for a way to enjoy my favorite chicken dinner in dip form, and it’s been a crowd favorite ever since. Next time you want something cozy, comforting, and a little bit special, give this a try. You’ll thank me later, I promise!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Dip transforms the beloved Marry Me Chicken entrée into an easy-to-make, cheesy dip. Featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a savory blend of sun-dried tomato oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasonings, creamy cheeses, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dip is perfect for gatherings and party appetites.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- 3/4 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Liquid and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Additional cheese for topping (as much as you like)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp dry shallots
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Coat both sides of the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 3/4 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to impart bold, aromatic flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and sear on both sides for about 3 minutes each until they develop a nice golden color, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
- Braise the Chicken: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the saucepan, enough to almost cover the chicken breasts. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the chicken to braise for 30 minutes over medium-low heat, or until the chicken is completely cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan and transfer them to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, shred the chicken into fine pieces to create a perfect base for the dip.
- Combine Dip Ingredients: To the shredded chicken, add 1 cup sour cream, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tbsp dry shallots, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp basil, 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Heat the Dip: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and gently heat over low to medium heat until all the cheeses melt and the dip becomes creamy and hot throughout.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving dish and top with additional cheese as desired. Serve warm with your choice of dippers such as crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- This rich, cheesy Marry Me Chicken Dip is loaded with all the flavor of classic Marry Me chicken, but it’s in an easy-to-make dip form, perfect for entertaining.
- Feel free to customize the cheese toppings or add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Use a hand mixer or two forks to shred the chicken; a mixer makes shredding faster and more uniform.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken during braising to keep it tender and moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 988 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 101 mg