Can a chicken dish really lead to wedding bells? That’s the playful premise behind “Marry Me Chicken,” a creamy, dreamy recipe that’s captured hearts (and stomachs) across TikTok. The dish has earned its cheeky name thanks to its irresistible flavor and surprisingly simple prep, making it the perfect choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to a special night in, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to impress. The rich sauce—made with a special kind of tomatoes and fresh herbs—feels indulgent but not over the top, while the tender chicken melts right in your mouth. But how did this viral recipe become a modern-day love story in the kitchen? Let’s dig in.
A love story in a skillet
The idea that chicken can be so good it inspires a marriage proposal isn’t exactly new. In fact, “Engagement Chicken,” a roasted chicken recipe popularized by culinary queens like Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, laid the groundwork. Celebrities like Meghan Markle and Emily Blunt even credit the dish for helping seal the deal with their partners.
But then came Lindsay Funston’s 2016 creation for Delish, which took the concept in a creamier direction and gave it a fresh, new name: “Marry Me Chicken.” Funston recalled wanting to develop something similar to one of her earlier (and also viral) recipes, Tuscan Chicken Pasta. But this time, she was “hungry for a skillet version that had similar ingredients but was even saucier.” So Funston created what she originally called, Sicilian Chicken Skillet.
The one problem? Funston didn’t love the name. Luckily, it didn’t last long thanks to her videographer. During a video shoot, Funston claimed their “videographer Chelsea grabbed a fork to try the final result. Once she took a bite, she blurted out, ‘I’d marry you for that chicken!’” And that name stuck.
Why “Marry Me Chicken” became a viral hit
Once it reached the internet, “Marry Me Chicken” quickly became a viral sensation, inspiring riffs, memes and a flood of TikTok posts with captions like “Make this for your crush, but only if you’re ready to commit!”
@heresyourbite Marry Me Chicken Pasta 💍 This recipe is such a crowd-pleaser and it only takes about 30min. The best part? It comes together in one pan! Here’s how I made it: – 1/2 lb chicken – 1/2 lb pasta of choice – 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, jullienned (plus oil) – 2 T butter – 1 medium shallot, diced – 1 t salt, to taste – 1 t Italian seasoning – 1/2 t onion powder – 1 t pepper, to taste – 1/2 t paprika (can sub smoked) – 1/2 t chicken bouillon – Dash of cayenne, optional – 1/2 t red pepper, to taste – 6-8 cloves garlic, to taste – Olive oil – 2.5 cups chicken broth – 1/2 cup half & half (or cream) – 1/2 cup fresh parmesan (plus more to garnish) – Handful of spinach – Fresh basil, torn, to taste 1. In a large sauce pan, heat about 1 T of sun-dried tomato oil and 1 T butter over medium heat. Cook your chicken until no longer pink and set aside. Cut into bite-sized pieces. 2. Reduce heat to low and add in another T of butter along with your shallot and seasonings. Cook for 2-3 minutes (add in some olive oil if needed). Add in your garlic and cook for another minute. 3. Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, add in your pasta, and stir. Cover and simmer until al dente, about 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. 4. Once your pasta is done, add in your half & half, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Stir until melted. 5. Add in your spinach, cooked chicken, and basil. Stir until spinach is wilted. Serve immediately and top with more fresh parm. Enjoy! #onepanmeal #onepanmeals #onepotmeal #onepotmeals #onepotpasta #onepotpastadish #onepanpasta #onepotdinner #onepotrecipe #onepotrecipes #onepanrecipe #onepanrecipes #marrymechicken #marrymechickenpasta #marrymechickenrecipe #marrymepasta #easyrecipes #easyrecipe #pastatok #foodtok #onepotdinners #easypasta #pastarecipe #creamychickenpasta
♬ original sound – user5928749
Unlike its roasted predecessor, “Marry Me Chicken” is a stovetop dish that combines pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious and cheesy tomato-cream sauce. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top, thanks to a balance of chicken broth and bright tomato paste.
But the real magic? Its versatility. While the original recipe is perfect as is, TikTok creators have taken the idea and run with it, creating variations like “Marry Me” chicken meatballs, gnocchi and even ramen. The flavor profile—savory, creamy and just a little tangy—has become a phenomenon in its own right.
What’s in ‘Marry Me Chicken’?
“Marry Me Chicken” is a savory, creamy dish made with a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet tang, while fresh basil ties everything together with a fragrant finish. This combination of flavors and textures makes every bite downright irresistible.
How to make “Marry Me Chicken” for Valentine’s Day
If you’re ready to whip up some culinary romance, here’s how the TikTok-famous dish comes together. This is Funston’s original recipe she shared on Delish. Serve it dish over pasta, mashed potatoes or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
- Torn fresh basil, for serving
Directions:
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbs. of oil into a large oven-proof skillet on medium-high heat. Then, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, turning halfway through, about five minutes per side. Set them aside on a plate.
- In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 2 Tbs. of oil. Stir in garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream and Parmesan; season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to oven. Bake the chicken until cooked through and juices run clear when it’s pierced with a knife, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken on a platter. Spoon sauce over, then top with basil.