Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Healthy Comfort Plates

This lightened version features tender shredded chicken mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of cheeses including light cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Greek yogurt adds a smooth texture while herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme provide aromatic depth. The mixture is baked until bubbling and golden, perfect for serving warm with fresh veggies or crackers. A balanced, savory dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:23:00 GMT
Creamy, bubbly Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip ready to be scooped up with crackers or veggies. Pin It
Creamy, bubbly Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip ready to be scooped up with crackers or veggies. | fordish.com

A lighter take on the viral Marry Me Chicken, this creamy, savory dip combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses&perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

I first served this at a casual family gathering and it vanished quickly everyone loved it.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 large breasts)
  • Dairy & Cheeses: 4 oz light cream cheese, softened, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat), ½ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
  • Seasonings: ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Extras: 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Aromatics:
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Prepare Baking Dish:
Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with extra fresh basil. Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.
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| fordish.com

This recipe brings our family together every time especially during cozy weekend nights.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, whole grain crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Variations

Add chopped spinach or swap cheeses to customize flavor and nutrition.

Golden-brown Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, full of tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes—a delicious appetizer! Pin It
Golden-brown Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, full of tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes—a delicious appetizer! | fordish.com

This delightful dip is sure to impress guests with its savory flavor and creamy texture every time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken adds convenience and enhances flavor without extra prep time.

What cheese alternatives work well here?

Part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan bring richness; you can substitute or reduce for lighter variations.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increasing crushed red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper gives a pleasant heat.

What dippers pair nicely with this dish?

Fresh vegetable slices, whole grain crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette complement the creamy texture.

Is it possible to add greens to the mixture?

Yes, finely chopped spinach or kale can be stirred in before baking for extra nutrients and color.

Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and cheeses, oven-baked for a savory snack.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Result 8 Portion Size

Dietary Details Gluten-Free, Low Carb Option

Ingredient List

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (approx. 2 large breasts)

Dairy & Cheeses

01 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
02 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
03 ½ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
04 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Seasonings

01 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
02 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
03 ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
04 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
05 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Extras

01 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: Warm olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

Step 03

Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.

Step 04

Prepare for baking: Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.

Step 05

Bake dip: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra fresh basil on top. Serve warm accompanied by sliced vegetables, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.

Tools Needed

  • Medium skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • 1-quart baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and chicken. Gluten-free when prepared with gluten-free dippers. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 165
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 20 g