If you’re on the hunt for a creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible appetizer, you’ve got to try this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe. I absolutely love this dip because it takes the beloved flavors of the classic Marry Me Chicken and transforms them into a shareable, party-ready dip that everyone raves about. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or just want something cozy and comforting for a family night, this recipe is a total winner—you’ll keep coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Creamy: The combo of cream cheese, sour cream, and melty mozzarella makes this dip smooth and luscious.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning bring layers of bold, savory goodness.
- Simple to Prepare: You don’t need fancy cooking skills; this recipe is forgiving and perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve served this at gatherings, and my family and friends can’t get enough—it’s a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work magically together to create a dip that’s balanced in flavor and texture. When shopping, look for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and fresh chicken breasts to make all the difference.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to shred after braising.
- Sun-dried tomato oil: Adds a rich tomato flavor and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that deepens the taste.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives this dip that signature Italian vibe.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while it braises, infusing flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Cream cheese: The melt factor, giving the dip a cheesy, smooth base.
- Spinach (chopped): Freshness and a touch of earthiness that lightens up the richness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Concentrated flavor bursts that make every bite interesting.
- Dry shallots: For depth and a mild onion flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds aroma and subtle heat.
- Basil: Fresh herbaceous note to round out Italian flavors.
- Parmesan: Sharp, salty kick that enhances the cheese blend.
- Mozzarella: Melts gorgeously and keeps the dip gooey.
- Additional cheese for topping: Use as much as you like for that golden bubbly finish!
Variations
I love tweaking this dip depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to make it your own—small changes can add lovely twists without losing its essence.
- Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick—my husband swears by this version!
- Dairy-free option: Use non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream alternatives and swap mozzarella with a plant-based melt—it still turns out creamy and delicious.
- Extra veggies: Try adding chopped artichokes or roasted red peppers for more color and flavor diversity.
- Herb substitutions: Fresh oregano or thyme can be delightful swaps for the Italian seasoning if you want something a bit different.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by coating both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend really sets the foundation with its smoky and herby notes. Then, heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides for about 3 minutes each, until they develop a nice golden-brown color. This step locks in flavor and adds a beautiful depth to the meat before braising.
Step 2: Braise the Chicken
Pour chicken broth into the pan just enough to almost cover the chicken, then cover with a tight lid. Let it simmer gently for around 30 minutes—or until the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork. This slow, moist cooking method makes the chicken super juicy and flavorful. I used to rush this part, but trust me, the extra patience really pays off in tenderness.
Step 3: Shred and Mix the Dip
Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and shred it with a hand mixer—that’s my little secret for effortless shredding without sweat! Next, stir in sour cream, cream cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, dry shallots, garlic powder, basil, parmesan, mozzarella, and any remaining seasonings. Blend everything until it’s smooth, cheesy, and full of that signature Marry Me Chicken flavor. It’ll be rich but balanced thanks to the tang of the sour cream and the freshness of the spinach.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Spread your dip into a baking dish, sprinkle on extra cheese for that irresistible golden top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned on top. Watching it bubble in the oven is always so satisfying! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it firms up just enough but remains melty.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
- Perfect Shredding: Using a hand mixer to shred the chicken saves time and ensures even, tender shreds every time.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken first gives amazing color and flavor that slow braising alone can’t achieve.
- Balance Your Cheese: Combining parmesan and mozzarella brings a sharp and melty contrast that makes the dip irresistible.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overcooking can dry out the dip, so bake just until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving—it adds such a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a few extra sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of olive oil finishes the look nicely too.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers like crispy pita chips, crusty baguette slices, or crunchy fresh veggies like bell pepper strips and cucumber. For a heartier spread, add a simple green salad or roasted potatoes on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like serving this dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl—it looks super impressive and means less dishwashing! You can also spoon it into mini ramekins for individual servings or top with extra cheese and broil it briefly for an ultra-bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend letting the dip cool completely before sealing it up—this helps keep the texture perfect and flavors fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip a few times with great results. Just pop it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave, stirring halfway to keep it smooth and melty. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating can help restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and bake right before serving.
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What’s the best way to shred the chicken for the dip?
Using a hand mixer is my go-to method because it’s fast and gives evenly shredded chicken. You can also use two forks if you prefer or pull apart by hand after the chicken cools slightly.
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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just skip the braising step and shred the cooked chicken into the dip mixture directly.
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What can I use to dip with Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe?
This dip goes well with toasted baguette slices, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe, I was hooked immediately—it’s like all the comfort and flavor of classic chicken dishes wrapped up in one gooey, cheesy dip. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do. It’s perfect for any occasion, and believe me, people will be asking you for the recipe once they try it. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to wow your taste buds!
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
Marry Me Chicken Dip is a rich and flavorful dip inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe. It features tender shredded chicken simmered in a spiced chicken broth infused with sun-dried tomato oil and aromatic seasonings, combined with creamy sour cream, cream cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, creating a perfect cheesy and savory dip ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Broth and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 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
Cheeses
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Additional cheese for topping (as much as you like)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor into the meat before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides for about 3 minutes each side until they develop a nice golden color, which enhances flavor and texture.
- Braise the chicken: Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan until it almost covers the chicken breasts. Cover the pan and let the chicken braise gently for 30 minutes or until it is tender enough to shred with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it into a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or forks to shred the chicken finely, preparing it for mixing into the dip.
- Mix the dip: In the same pan or a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with sour cream, cream cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, dry shallots, garlic powder, basil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, additional black pepper, salt, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Stir well until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Finish and serve: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish if desired, top with extra cheese, and bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or simply serve as a warm dip.
Notes
- This dip captures the classic flavors of Marry Me Chicken in a convenient and crowd-pleasing format.
- Shredding chicken with a hand mixer speeds up the process and creates a perfectly fine texture.
- Adjust seasoning and additional cheese topping to your preference for more richness and flavor.
- Serve warm with bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
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
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