Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Featured in: Savory Vibes

This lightened creamy dish combines tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a flavorful mix of cheeses. Garlic and fresh basil add aromatic depth, while a blend of herbs and mild heat enhances the savory experience. Baked to a golden finish, it’s perfect served warm with veggie sticks, crackers, or pita chips for easy entertaining or relaxing evenings.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:59:00 GMT
Creamy, golden Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, bubbly and perfect with colorful veggie sticks. Save
Creamy, golden Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, bubbly and perfect with colorful veggie sticks. | lickjoke.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.

This dip has quickly become a favorite at gatherings thanks to its rich taste and easy preparation.

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.
Mix 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 & serve:
Garnish with extra fresh basil. Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.
A warm, flavorful bowl of Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, ready to be scooped up with crackers. Save
A warm, flavorful bowl of Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, ready to be scooped up with crackers. | lickjoke.com

This recipe always brings the family together, sharing stories over a warm, delicious dip.

Notes

For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken. Substitute Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream if desired. Add chopped spinach for extra greens. Serve with toasted baguette slices for a heartier option. Pair with a crisp sauvignon blanc or sparkling water with lemon.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy cream cheese, yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan. Contains chicken. Gluten-free as written if served with gluten-free dippers. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

This easy, gluten-free Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip features tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Save
This easy, gluten-free Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip features tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. | lickjoke.com

This Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip is sure to be your go-to appetizer for any occasion.

Recipe Guide

Can rotisserie chicken be used for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and texture while reducing prep time.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

Low-fat sour cream can be used as an alternative for a similar creamy texture and tang.

How can I add more greens to this dish?

Chopped spinach can be stirred into the mixture before baking for extra nutrients and color.

What are good serving options for this creamy chicken blend?

Serve warm with veggie sticks, whole grain crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices to complement the creamy texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, when served with gluten-free dippers, the dish contains no gluten.

What herbs enhance the flavor profile?

Dried oregano, thyme, and fresh basil provide aromatic layers and a balanced savory taste.

Lightened Marry Me Chicken

Savory dip featuring shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses in a creamy base.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition guidelines No gluten, Carb-conscious

Components

Chicken

01 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (approximately 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 drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 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)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Heat 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.

Phase 03

Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan)
  • Contains chicken
  • Gluten-free as prepared if served with gluten-free dippers
  • Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 165
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 20 g