Name: Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream; 8 oz cream cheese; 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 seasonings; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup parmesan; 1 cup mozzarella; Additional cheese for topping (as much as you like)

If you’re on the hunt for a rich, creamy, and absolutely addictive appetizer, you’ve got to try this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe. Trust me, this dip takes the irresistible flavors of the classic Marry Me Chicken and turns them into a silky, cheesy dip that’ll have everyone asking for more. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a casual get-together—it disappeared faster than I could refill the chip bowl!

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The sun-dried tomato oil and smoked paprika bring a smoky, savory depth that keeps things interesting.
Simple Ingredients: You won’t find any complicated or hard-to-find items here—just pantry staples and fresh finds.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for game day, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in, this dip wins hearts every time.
Hands-Off Cooking: While it’s simmering, you can prep your sides or relax—minimal babysitting required!

A single-layer baked dish in a black cast iron pan, showing a thick golden-brown cheese crust on top with some browned spots. Under the cheese layer, you can see bits of green herbs and small pieces of red vegetables mixed into a creamy base. The surface has a slightly uneven texture with melted cheese strands and a bubbly look. The pan rests on a light wooden board with some white marbled texture visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in layering texture and flavor. The chicken broth adds moisture, while the blend of cheeses delivers that creamy, melty goodness we all crave. Pro tip: opt for fresh spinach and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor punches.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to shred and soak up all those delicious spices.
Sun-dried tomato oil: This is a game-changer, infusing the dip with tangy tomato essence and a touch of richness.
Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness that beautifully complements the chicken.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings brightness and balance.
Salt & black pepper: To season just right and enhance all the flavors.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken tender and adds savory depth.
Sour cream: Gives the dip a tangy creaminess that isn’t too heavy.
Cream cheese: Essential for that rich, velvety texture.
Spinach (chopped): Adds a fresh touch and subtle earthiness.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Bursts of tangy sweetness throughout.
Dry shallots: Provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
Garlic powder: For that subtle, warm garlic background.
Basil: Sweet herb notes that complement tomato and cheese.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and melts beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: For gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
Additional cheese for topping: Because let’s be honest—more cheese is always a good idea!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or who I’m feeding. The flexibility is part of the charm—so feel free to make it your own!

Spicy Kick: When I want a little heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce—my guests go nuts for it.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
Green Boost: Sometimes I toss in kale or arugula along with spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
Protein Swap: If chicken isn’t your thing, shredded turkey or even jackfruit works surprisingly well.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken

Start by evenly coating both sides of your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands to massage the spices in—that way, every bite is packed with flavor. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until you get a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in juiciness and boosts flavor—don’t skip it!

Step 2: Braise in Chicken Broth

Once seared, pour in the chicken broth until it almost covers the chicken. Cover the pan and let it braise gently for about 30 minutes. I learned that low and slow is key here—high heat can dry the chicken out. When done, the chicken should shred easily with a fork. I usually check after 25 minutes just in case, so it’s tender but not falling apart.

Step 3: Shred and Mix

Transfer the cooked chicken to a big bowl and shred it with a hand mixer—it’s so much faster and gives a nice, even texture. Then, mix in sour cream, cream cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, dry shallots, garlic powder, basil, and the extra seasonings. Finally, stir in parmesan and mozzarella for that luscious cheese blend you’re craving.

Step 4: Bake and Top with Cheese

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cover generously with additional cheese to create that irresistible golden crust. Pop it into a preheated oven until bubbling and beautifully browned on top. I usually bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes—give or take depending on your oven—until you see the cheese melt and bubble.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe

Sear for Flavor: Don’t rush the searing step—it creates complex flavor and keeps chicken moist.
Use a Hand Mixer: Shredding chicken by hand is fine, but a hand mixer is such a time-saver and gives perfect shredding texture.
Don’t Skip Cheese Topping: That extra layer of cheese on top melts into a golden crust that really elevates this dip.
Watch Your Broth Level: Pour just enough broth to cover most of the chicken—too much makes the dip watery.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe

A round, single-layer dish in a black cast iron skillet showing a golden-brown melted cheese topping with small browned spots and a slightly bubbly texture; under the cheese layer, hints of a mixed filling with herbs and small bits of red ingredients are visible; the skillet is placed on a wooden board set on a white marbled surface, with a small bowl containing coarse salt and another bowl partially in frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped basil or parsley on top before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that balances the richness perfectly. A pinch of red pepper flakes is my go-to for guests who like some heat.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with crusty baguette slices, crunchy pita chips, or even fresh veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers for dipping. For a fuller spread, I like to serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, turning it into both a tasty dip and edible serving dish. Another crowd-pleaser is warming it in small ramekins for individual servings—something about personal portions makes the experience extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for 3–4 days. When you reheat it, the dip thickens up, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it back up.

Freezing

Freezing works great with this dip too! Just pop it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I discovered this trick after prepping for a family gathering and it saved me a ton of time without sacrificing flavor.

Reheating

I usually reheat in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time. Just make sure to shred it finely and mix well so the flavors meld nicely. You might want to warm the sun-dried tomato oil and spices in the pan before adding the shredded chicken to keep that ‘seared’ flavor advantage.
Is this dip spicy?

Right out of the gate, it’s more savory and smoky than spicy. If you like heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up without overwhelming the other flavors.
What’s the best way to serve this dip warm?

Serving warm is definitely the way to go! I usually bake or reheat it in an oven-safe dish until bubbly, then transfer to a pretty serving bowl or bread bowl. Warm dips bring out the creaminess and melty cheese texture that everyone loves.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. This is perfect for busy days or entertaining because you’re mostly assembling, not cooking from scratch at the last minute.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without a ton of fuss. It’s cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor — perfect for sharing with friends or family. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll understand why it earned its name. So grab your favorite dippers, invite some company, and prepare for compliments to fly. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!