Get ready for a recipe so good, it might just inspire a proposal! These Marry Me Chicken Bites transform tender, bite-sized chicken into a culinary masterpiece. Each piece is seared to perfection and enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese. This dish delivers a five-star flavor experience right from your kitchen, making it the perfect easy meal for a busy weeknight. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds and proves that incredible meals can be simple.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Bites Recipe
You are going to fall head over heels for this recipe. These creamy chicken bites are not just incredibly delicious, they are also a joy to make, building your confidence in the kitchen with every step. Here’s why this dish will become a fast favorite in your home:
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for hectic evenings when you still want something special.
- Incredible Flavor: The rich, savory sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality taste that is simply unforgettable.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Searing small pieces of chicken ensures they cook quickly while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
- Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, adapting easily to what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create your own irresistible Marry Me Chicken Bites. Each component works together to build layers of incredible flavor, ensuring a memorable meal every time.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for extra flavor and moisture.
- Cream: Heavy cream creates a richer sauce. For a lighter option, use whole milk, but simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Tomatoes: No sun-dried tomatoes? Finely chopped roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes can be used.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier bite than Parmesan.
- Seasoning: Use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning.
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this easy chicken recipe. Grab these basic kitchen tools and you’ll be ready to start cooking these delicious Marry Me Chicken Bites.
- Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Bites
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create the most amazing skillet chicken you’ve ever had. This process is designed to be straightforward, helping you cook with confidence and achieve perfect results. Creating these Marry Me Chicken Bites is a rewarding experience.
- Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika until they are well combined. This seasoned flour will give our chicken a light, flavorful crust.
- Cut and Coat the Chicken: Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel; this step is crucial for getting a good sear. Transfer the dry chicken to a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Add the flour mixture and toss everything together until each piece of chicken is evenly and lightly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Swirl the pan to ensure the butter coats the bottom. Once hot, carefully add half of the coated chicken bites to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining butter and chicken.
- Sauté the Aromatics: To the now-empty skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the half and half and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine the Flavors: Stir the Italian seasoning and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finish the Dish: Return the seared Marry Me Chicken Bites to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece in the luscious sauce. Let the dish simmer for a final 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Marry Me Chicken Bites hot, garnished with fresh cracked pepper and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are a few tips to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking and ensure every bite is just right.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Searing the chicken in two batches is key. This gives each piece enough space to brown properly, creating a delicious crust instead of steaming.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash more chicken broth or half and half until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the Italian seasoning.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
The versatility of these Marry Me Chicken Bites is one of their best features. Here are some ideas to serve, store, and customize the dish.
Marry Me Chicken Bites Serving Suggestions
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. It’s also a classic pairing with pasta like penne or fettuccine. For a lower-carb option, serve it alongside roasted asparagus or zucchini noodles.
Marry Me Chicken Bites Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Marry Me Chicken Bites Variations:
- Add Veggies: Sauté sliced mushrooms or wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce before adding the chicken back in.
- Change the Protein: This creamy sauce is also wonderful with pork tenderloin medallions or pan-seared shrimp.
Nutrition Information
This Marry Me Chicken Bites recipe is a fantastic “fit foodie” option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It is naturally high in protein, making it a satisfying and macro-friendly meal that will keep you full and energized. The details below are an estimate per serving.
| Serving Size | 150g (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 298 kcal |
| Protein | 30.6 g |
| Fat | 14.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2.3 g |
| Sodium | 783.8 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can sear whole chicken breasts, then slice them and serve them with the sauce poured over top. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely. Use a dairy-free butter alternative, full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer instead of half and half, and a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute.
- What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use? Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) work best as they are tender and flavorful. If you use dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for about 15 minutes before chopping.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? The key is to not overcook it. Searing the Marry Me Chicken Bites quickly over medium heat and using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F ensures they stay juicy.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or fresh spinach are all wonderful additions. Add them to the skillet just before you create the sauce.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Bites recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of pure comfort and joy. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender chicken, it’s a dish that feels special enough for a celebration but is simple enough for any weeknight. We hope you feel inspired to bring this incredible flavor into your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with us in the comments below. Happy cooking
Marry Me Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (GF if needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts cut 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces, pat dry, then toss with the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear half the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, then transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining butter and chicken.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in half and half and parmesan cheese and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes. Return the chicken to the skillet, toss with the sauce, and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cracked pepper and grated parmesan.
