If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, rich, and creamy dip that’s bursting with flavor, then you absolutely need to try this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe. It’s like all the magic of the classic Marry Me Chicken — you know, that irresistible cheesy tomato-spinach combo — but turned into a dip that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just cozy nights in. Trust me, once you make this, your family and friends will be begging you to whip it up again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: This dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, and melty mozzarella for a luscious texture you’ll want every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need might already be in your pantry — no complicated steps or fancy tools.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s a party favorite that brings everyone to the table, especially when paired with chips or crusty bread.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to your taste, making it just right for your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe work together like a symphony of flavors — smoky paprika meets tangy sun-dried tomato oil, with creamy cheeses and fresh spinach to round it off. I always recommend using good-quality chicken broth and sun-dried tomato oil straight from the jar for that authentic punch.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to shred, and they soak up all the spices beautifully.
- Sun-dried tomato oil: This oil packs concentrated tomato flavor that really elevates the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Adds that subtle smoky warmth I absolutely adore.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings herbaceous depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance and enhance every bite.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while braising and forms the base for the dip.
- Sour cream: For tangy creaminess that cuts through the richness.
- Cream cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the dip body and silkiness.
- Spinach (chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of green – don’t skip this!
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Their chewy, intense flavor makes the dip unforgettable.
- Dry shallots: For a sweet, delicate onion flavor without the bite.
- Garlic powder: A reliable garlic punch even if you’re in a hurry.
- Basil: Brings out a hint of sweet, peppery herbaceousness.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it adds depth and umami.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection you’ll love.
- Additional cheese for topping: Because more melted cheese is always a yes in my book!
Variations
I love how adaptable this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe is. Over time, I’ve experimented with adding my own twists, and I encourage you to have fun making it your own — whether it’s dialing up the spice, swapping cheeses, or using leftover chicken.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce—it gives the dip a nice heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and coconut yogurt for friends with dietary restrictions, and it still turned out wonderfully creamy.
- Extra Veggies: Sometimes, I throw in chopped roasted red peppers or mushrooms to add texture and boost nutritional value.
- Leftover Chicken: If you have cooked chicken on hand, you can skip the braising step and jump straight to mixing it into the dip for a quick fix.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken
Start by coating both sides of your chicken breasts evenly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I find this combo creates a beautiful flavor foundation. Then, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat in a large saucepan — make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until they get that gorgeous golden color. This quick sear locks in juices and adds a subtle caramelized flavor you’ll appreciate in the final dip.
Step 2: Braise the Chicken Until Tender
Pour in enough chicken broth to nearly cover the chicken — this liquid will keep the chicken moist and juicy as it cooks. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let it braise for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork. I like to use a hand mixer here to shred the chicken quickly and evenly, which makes mixing everything together so much easier.
Step 3: Mix in the Goodies
Once shredded, return the chicken to the pot and stir in the sour cream, cream cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, dry shallots, garlic powder, basil, extra Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, Parmesan, and mozzarella. The magic begins as these ingredients meld together. I usually keep the heat low and stir gently until all the cheese melts and the dip is hot and bubbly.
Step 4: Top and Bake (Optional But Worth It)
If you’re feeling fancy, transfer the dip to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until golden and bubbly. This step really elevates the dish and adds that irresistible cheesy crust we all crave.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Searing: It adds a lovely texture and depth to the chicken that gently braising alone can’t achieve.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It melts faster and blends smoothly without lumps.
- Shred Chicken with a Hand Mixer: This saved me so much time and made the texture perfect every time.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: That cheesy topping can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I love to garnish this dip with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cheese and chicken. Sometimes, I also add a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces on top just for that extra pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, crispy baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers and bell peppers. I’ve also served it alongside a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes serve this dip inside a hollowed-out artisan bread bowl—it’s just as much fun to eat as it is delicious. Another time, I turned it into bite-sized stuffed mushrooms using the dip as filling, which was a total hit. Feel free to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I make it a day ahead on purpose. Just keep it chilled until ready to warm.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip successfully by placing it in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat—though I do find the texture is best fresh, freezing is a great option if you want to prep ahead.
Reheating
Reheat the dip on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to re-melt the cheese smoothly. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—just heat in short bursts and stir between intervals to avoid overheating and drying out the dip.
FAQs
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Can I make Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with cooked and shredded jackfruit, mushrooms, or even more spinach to keep it hearty. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain that rich flavor profile.
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What can I serve with this dip?
This dip goes perfectly with crunchy chips, toasted bread, vegetable sticks, or even as a sauce with pasta. I often serve it with sliced baguettes or pita chips when entertaining guests.
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Is the dip spicy?
It’s mildly smoky and savory but not spicy by default. If you love heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a nice kick.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the dip keeps well in the fridge for a few days and tastes great reheated. You can also freeze it for longer storage, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe turns out every single time — creamy, flavorful, and comforting. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a party or just want something cozy after a long day. I’m so glad I discovered this recipe and made it my own, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and watch it become a new favorite in your rotation!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Dip is a rich and cheesy appetizer inspired by the classic Marry Me chicken dish. Featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a flavorful broth and mixed with creamy cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic seasonings, this dip is perfect for parties or casual 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
Cooking Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Additional cheese for topping (as much as you like)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 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 chicken breasts evenly with 3/4 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to infuse the meat with flavorful spices.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp 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 have a nice golden color, which helps develop flavor.
- Braise the Chicken: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the saucepan, adding enough liquid to almost cover the chicken. Cover the saucepan and let the chicken braise over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, creating the perfect texture for a creamy dip.
- Combine Dip Ingredients: In the bowl with 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 grated parmesan, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook and Melt Cheeses: Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheeses melt and the dip is heated through and creamy. Add additional cheese on top as desired and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
- This rich, cheesy Marry Me Chicken Dip captures the beloved flavors of the Marry Me chicken entree in an easy-to-make, party-friendly dip.
- For best results, use fresh shredded chicken cooked until very tender to ensure a creamy texture.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning to taste to balance smokiness and herbaceous flavor.
- Serve warm with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- The dip can be prepared ahead of time, then reheated gently before serving.
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
