Craving a dip as comforting and delicious as the viral Marry Me Chicken? Look no further than this marry me chicken dip. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it turns the beloved dish into a shareable, party-perfect appetizer. Whether it’s game day or a cozy night in, this dip will have everyone coming back for more.
Inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, created in 2016 by Lindsay Funston, this dip captures the same rich, saucy goodness. Funston originally developed the dish as a skillet version of her Tuscan chicken pasta. The name came about when a videographer, tasting the dish for the first time, jokingly said, "I'd marry you for that chicken!" Now, this dip brings that same irresistible magic—ready to impress at any gathering.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this marry me dip.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Together, they create a rich, creamy base with a smooth texture.
Chicken: Use precooked, chopped chicken for a quick and easy dip—rotisserie, deli, or leftover chicken all work well.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: We use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the right flavor and texture. Be sure to drain them to avoid excess oil in the dip.
Red Pepper Flakes: A signature ingredient in this classic dish, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Add more if you like a spicier dip.
Italian Cheese Blend: We tested several shredded cheese options and found that an Italian blend delivers the best melty texture and taste. This blend typically includes mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, asiago, Parmesan, and Romano.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring a Tuscan profile, while salt adds balance.
Optional Toppings: Cooked bacon and fresh basil leaves add a tasty finish.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this marry me chicken dip recipe.
8-Inch Glass Baking Dish: We like to use this size because it holds the perfect ratio of dip base to melty cheese. We prefer glass over metal as it absorbs heat slower, providing a more even bake.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl gives you enough space to blend all the ingredients together.
Other Cookware You’ll Need: Measuring cups and spoons, small strainer, chef’s knife, cutting board, large bowl, and mixing spoon.
Here’s how to easily make this marry me chicken dip recipe.
This dip comes together quickly with a little prep. Measure and chop ingredients ahead so you can simply dump and stir. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second intervals if you're short on time. Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for the topping. Mix the cream cheese and sour cream first, then combine everything else until well blended.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese and bake until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Let the dip rest a few minutes—it’ll be hot. Roll basil leaves into a cigar shape and slice into thin ribbons (called chiffonade). Top with basil and chopped cooked bacon.
Here are our favorite ways to give this appetizer a twist.
Seasoning Variation: Substitute dried basil, oregano, or thyme for the Italian seasoning. Add extra garlic powder (up to 1 teaspoon) or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Want more zip? Toss in extra red pepper flakes.
Change the Cheese: Instead of using an Italian cheese blend, try shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or fontina—or mix a few together for extra melty, cheesy goodness.
Add Veggies: Stir in up to 1/2 cup of thawed, well-drained frozen spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor, texture, and color.
Besides crostini, this creamy dip pairs wonderfully with baguette slices, chunks of focaccia, assorted crackers, and crispy pita chips. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, and mini bell peppers work great for scooping and adding crunch to every bite.
However you serve it, this marry me chicken dip recipe won’t last long. Browse our full collection of game-day dips and party dips to find more delicious dips to pair with this crowd-pleaser.
If you have leftover dip, lucky you! Storing and reheating this leftover easy marry me chicken dip is simple.
Allow the dip to cool to room temperature before storing in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Store in a covered container for up to 2 months.
Remove the container from the freezer the day before. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Microwave: Scoop out an individual portion into a microwavable bowl, cover, and heat in 20- to 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
After thawing, follow the same microwave or oven instructions above to enjoy it again.
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In large bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until blended.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the Italian cheese, the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper flakes, and salt until well mixed.
Spread evenly in baking dish.
Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Bake 25 to 29 minutes or until hot and bubbling at edges. Let stand 5 minutes.
Top with chopped basil and chopped bacon. Serve with crostini and fresh vegetables.
The best way to soften cream cheese for this marry me chicken dip recipe is to take it out of the fridge, and let it sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before using. But if you forget or are short on time, don’t worry. Unwrap the cream cheese and place it on a microwavable plate. Microwave it for 10 seconds at a time, checking the texture and temperature after each round. Watch it closely—microwaves vary, and it can quickly melt into a messy puddle.
The "Marry Me" name comes from the idea that these dishes are so delicious, they could inspire a proposal. It all started with Marry Me Chicken in 2016. Since then, variations like Marry Me Shrimp, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and Marry Me Salmon have followed, all sharing that irresistible, rich flavor that makes them perfect for any occasion.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 12g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 34% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | ½g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 250mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 2g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 8g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Potassium | 140mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
