Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Midday Momentum

This creamy, savory dip blends shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a cheese trio including mozzarella and Parmesan. Aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add depth, while a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes lift the flavor. Baked until golden and bubbly, it pairs beautifully with crisp veggies, crackers, or pita chips, making it an inviting option for gatherings or cozy nights. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with additions like spinach or rotisserie chicken.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:16:00 GMT
Creamy, bubbling Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, golden brown on top, perfect with fresh basil garnish. Save to Pinterest
Creamy, bubbling Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, golden brown on top, perfect with fresh basil garnish. | krispyrecipes.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.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite after I switched to a lighter base but kept all the rich flavors that make the original so addictive.

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.
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| krispyrecipes.com

This dip has become our go-to at family gatherings, always disappearing within minutes and sparking requests for the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Storage Tips

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

Variations

Add chopped spinach or swap the chicken for turkey to customize the dip to your taste and dietary needs.

A close-up view of a savory Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, served with colorful veggie sticks, perfect for dipping. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of a savory Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, served with colorful veggie sticks, perfect for dipping. | krispyrecipes.com

This lighter Marry Me Chicken Dip keeps all the indulgent taste while being easier on calories and perfect for any occasion.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Shredded cooked chicken breast works well, but rotisserie chicken can add extra flavor and convenience.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?

Yes, low-fat sour cream can be used as a creamy alternative without changing the texture much.

How do the sun-dried tomatoes contribute to the flavor?

They add a rich, tangy sweetness that enhances the creamy, savory profile of the dish.

What herbs are used to season this dip?

Dried oregano, thyme, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes provide a well-rounded herbal aroma and gentle heat.

What is the best way to serve it?

Serve warm with sliced fresh veggies, whole grain crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices for a satisfying bite.

Can this dish be made ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and bake it just before serving to retain its fresh, bubbly texture.

Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Creamy blend of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese for an easy and flavorful dish.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Midday Momentum

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 8 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations No Gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

What You’ll Need

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (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 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 black pepper

Extras

01 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Bake Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 06

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan)
  • Contains chicken
  • Gluten-free if served with gluten-free dippers

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 165
  • Total Fat: 7 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams