Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner: these incredible Marry Me Chicken Bites! This dish features perfectly tender, bite-sized chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It delivers a truly restaurant-quality experience but comes together in just 30 minutes. If you’re seeking a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort, this is the one for you. Let’s get cooking these amazing skillet chicken bites!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Marry Me Chicken Bites
There are numerous reasons why this sensational recipe will win you over. From its speedy prep time to its unforgettable taste, these Marry Me Chicken Bites are destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. You’ll feel like a kitchen hero!
- Ready in 30 Minutes: This complete meal goes from skillet to table in half an hour, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
- Irresistible Creamy Sauce: The combination of Parmesan, half-and-half, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, velvety sauce you’ll want to eat with a spoon.
- Simple Ingredients: This impressive dish utilizes common, easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to discerning adults adores this comforting and delicious chicken recipe. This is a meal the whole family will request again and again.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful Marry Me Chicken Bites recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. This recipe is all about using pantry staples to build a dish that tastes complex and special. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture of the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a light coating on the chicken, which helps it brown beautifully and slightly thickens the sauce.
- Salt, Black Pepper, and Paprika: A simple but effective spice blend that seasons the chicken from the very first step.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base of our dish. Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor for searing the chicken and is a key component of the sauce’s base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves add an essential aromatic depth that builds the foundation of the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the pan, lifting all the flavorful browned bits and adding a savory liquid base for the sauce.
- Half-and-Half: This is the secret to our creamy, but not overly heavy, sauce. It provides the perfect luscious texture.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty, and savory flavor that is the signature of any “Marry Me” style dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs that adds instant Italian-inspired flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These deliver a sweet, tangy, and concentrated tomato flavor that beautifully cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic, juicy substitute if you prefer dark meat.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy: Feel free to use heavy cream for an even richer, more decadent sauce. For a lighter version, whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan for a saltier, sharper bite. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor for a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce texture will differ.
- Tomatoes: Don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Finely chopped roasted red peppers also work beautifully for a sweeter, smokier profile.
Chicken is an excellent lean protein that keeps this dish satisfying while staying balanced. According to Medical News Today’s overview of the health benefits of eating chicken, poultry provides essential nutrients that support muscle growth, bone health, and overall wellness.
Equipment
You don’t need any special gadgets to make these creamy Marry Me Chicken Bites. Just grab these kitchen essentials and you’ll be ready to go.
- A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (12-inch cast iron or stainless steel works best for a great sear)
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for perfectly cooked chicken)
How To Make Marry Me Chicken Bites Recipe
Ready to create the most delicious Marry Me Chicken Bites you’ve ever had? Let’s walk through it step-by-step. This process is simple and perfect for cooks of all skill levels, so you can feel confident and relaxed in the kitchen!
- Prepare Dredging Mixture: In a shallow bowl or a large zip-top bag, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This seasoned coating is the first layer of flavor and is essential for creating that beautiful, golden-brown crust on the chicken.
- Cut and Coat Chicken: Pat your diced chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because a dry surface allows the flour to stick properly and ensures the chicken will sear rather than steam in the hot pan. Add the chicken to your flour mixture and toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
- Sear Chicken (Batch 1): Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and shimmering, carefully add half of the chicken bites in a single, uncrowded layer. Let them sear for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them too much. This allows a deep golden-brown crust to form. Once cooked through (165°F), transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
- Sear Chicken (Batch 2): Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Repeat the searing process with the rest of the chicken bites. Once this batch is perfectly cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside with the first.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (the “fond”) that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is a non-negotiable step for a deeply savory and complex sauce!
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the half-and-half, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling it.
- Add Flavor Boosts: Stir in the Italian seasoning and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow them to warm through for a minute, which helps release their flavors into the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return all the seared Marry Me Chicken Bites to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Gently toss everything together to coat the chicken completely in that beautiful, creamy sauce. Let the dish simmer for another 1-2 minutes so all the flavors can meld together perfectly. Making this amazing Marry Me Chicken Bites recipe is truly that simple.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your incredible Marry Me Chicken Bites hot from the skillet. Garnish with a little extra fresh cracked pepper and another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the perfect finish.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Use these simple tips and tricks to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Bites are absolutely flawless and delicious every single time. A little extra care and attention to detail make all the difference!
- Uniform Pieces: Cut the chicken into similar-sized 1/2-inch bites. This promotes even cooking, so no piece is over- or undercooked, and every bite is perfectly tender.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Searing the chicken in two batches is essential. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and causes the chicken to steam instead of browning. Give the pieces space to develop that irresistible golden crust.
- Gentle Heat for Dairy: When you add the half-and-half and cheese, keep the heat low and steady. A rapid, rolling boil can cause a cream-based sauce to separate or curdle. A gentle simmer is all you need.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the smoothest, most luxurious sauce, always grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy texture.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
One of the best things about these versatile Marry Me Chicken Bites is how beautifully they pair with so many different sides! Here are some of my favorite ideas for serving, storing, and customizing this fantastic dish to make it your own.
Marry Me Chicken Bites Serving Suggestions
- Delicious served over pasta, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work beautifully with the creamy sauce
- Pairs wonderfully with white rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta
- Great low-carb options include zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat
- If the sauce thickens, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to its original consistency
Marry Me Chicken Bites Fun Variations
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end of cooking and let it wilt into the sauce. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers are also fantastic additions.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- Brighten with Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of freshness and vibrant color. This simple step really elevates the final presentation and taste of your Marry Me Chicken Bites.
Nutrition
This recipe provides a wonderfully satisfying and high-protein meal, perfect for keeping you full and energized. The nutritional information below is an estimate calculated for one serving, assuming the recipe is divided into four equal portions. Please note that exact values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. Making these delicious Marry Me Chicken Bites at home gives you full control.
| Serving Size | 150g (1/4 of recipe) |
| Calories | 298 kcal |
| Protein | 30.6 g |
| Fat | 14.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.1 g |
| Sodium | 783.8 mg |
| Sugar | 2.3 g |
Frequently Asked Questions about this Marry Me Chicken Bites Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great, flavorful choice for this recipe. They will stay incredibly juicy and tender during the cooking process.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
It’s very easy to adapt! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for dredging the chicken. The results are just as delicious.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I freeze these Marry Me Chicken Bites?
I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Cream-based sauces like this one often separate and can become grainy when they are thawed and reheated, which will negatively affect the texture.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes that have been julienned or chopped work best. They are pliable and full of flavor. Just be sure to drain them well from the oil before adding them to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This amazing Marry Me Chicken Bites recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a truly special and memorable meal. The tender chicken, enveloped in that unbelievably creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, delivers pure comfort and joy to the dinner table. It’s perfect for a special date night or just a simple weeknight treat. I truly hope you love making this delicious Marry Me Chicken Bites recipe! If you try them, please leave a comment and rating below to let me know how they turned out.
Marry Me Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Large skillet (stainless steel or cast iron)
- Large bowl or ziploc bag
- Wooden spoon
- Paper towel
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (28g) (GF if needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28g)
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120g)
- 1/2 cup half and half (120g)
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (28g)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes (30g) (chopped)
Instructions
Instructions
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch pieces, pat them dry with a paper towel, and toss them with the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear half of the floured chicken undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then cook for another 3-4 minutes until done, browning all sides. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining butter and chicken.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits with a wooden spoon.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the half and half and parmesan cheese, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the Italian seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the sauce, letting it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Bites hot, garnished with fresh cracked pepper and grated parmesan cheese.