Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Comfort Food

This creamy, savory dip blends tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Aromatics like garlic and fresh basil add depth, while hints of oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes provide subtle warmth. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect served warm alongside veggies or crackers for gatherings or quiet evenings.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:37:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, speckled with sun-dried tomatoes, ready for scooping. Pin
Golden, bubbly Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, speckled with sun-dried tomatoes, ready for scooping. | potfuljoy.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&mdashperfect for parties or cozy nights in.

I first served this dip at a family game night and it was gone within minutes everyone asked for the recipe.

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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Step 6:
Garnish with extra fresh basil. Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.
Creamy and savory, this warm Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip is served with fresh herbs and crackers. Pin
Creamy and savory, this warm Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip is served with fresh herbs and crackers. | potfuljoy.com

My kids love helping me mix the ingredients and watching the dip bake it&aposs become a family favorite for gatherings and quiet nights alike.

Serving Suggestions

Best served warm with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted baguette slices for a hearty snack.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until bubbly.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and chicken. Gluten-free when served with gluten-free dippers. Always verify ingredients for allergens.

A close-up view of the delicious, gluten-free Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, ready and waiting. Pin
A close-up view of the delicious, gluten-free Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, ready and waiting. | potfuljoy.com

This dip is quick to prepare and makes entertaining simple yet delicious every time.

Recipe Q&A

What kind of chicken works best in this dip?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast works well, and rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option.

Can I substitute any dairy ingredients for lighter options?

Yes, using light cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt keeps it light while maintaining creaminess.

How is the dip flavored?

Garlic, fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes provide a balanced savory profile.

What is the best way to serve this dip?

Serve warm with sliced vegetables, whole grain crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices for added texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as prepared, it’s gluten-free. Just ensure dippers are gluten-free to keep it that way.

Lightened Marry Me Chicken

A creamy dip featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
40 min

Category Comfort Food

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Servings

Dietary specifications Gluten-free

Ingredients

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (approximately 2 large breasts)

Dairy & Cheeses

01 4 ounces 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 drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus additional 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 for sautéing

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle additional fresh basil on top. Serve warm alongside sliced vegetables, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan) and chicken. Gluten-free when served with gluten-free dippers. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g