Marry Me Chicken and Rice Dinner

Why They Call It Marry Me Chicken

I first made this for my husband, Tom, years ago. He took one bite and smiled so wide. He said, “This is so good, I’d marry you all over again for it.” I still laugh at that.

The name stuck for a reason. It is a truly special meal. It tells someone they are loved. That is a powerful thing to do with simple ingredients.

A Cozy, Creamy Dream

Let’s talk about that sauce. The cheese melts into the creamy broth. It coats the rice and chicken perfectly. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

The sun-dried tomatoes are my favorite part. They add a little sweet tang. It cuts through all the rich, creamy goodness. What is your favorite cozy meal? Tell me about it.

Getting Your Chicken Just Right

Coating the chicken in those spices is the first step. Do not be shy with them. Rub it all over every little cube. This makes the flavor go deep.

You want a nice brown color on the chicken. That browning is pure flavor. *Fun fact*: That browning is called the Maillard reaction. It is just a fancy way of saying tasty.

The Magic of One Pan

You cook everything in the same skillet. You start with the chicken. Then you cook the onions and garlic in those yummy bits left behind. This is the secret.

Why does this matter? All those little bits mix into the rice. They make the whole dish taste like it simmered for hours. It makes cleanup easier too. Do you love one-pan meals as much as I do?

Stirring in the Love

The very last step is my favorite. You turn off the heat. Then you stir in the cream and cheese. Watch how it all comes together into a creamy sauce.

Why does this matter? Cooking for people is an act of love. This dish is a big, warm hug on a plate. It is simple, but it feels like a celebration. Who would you love to make this dinner for?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts	1 ½ pounds	Cut into 1-inch cubes
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper	½ teaspoon	Optional
Kosher salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Extra virgin olive oil	1 tablespoon
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon
Yellow onion	1 small	Diced
Garlic	1 tablespoon	Minced
Sun-dried tomatoes	⅓ cup (6-7 whole)	Soaked in hot water, chopped
Long-grain white rice	1 cup (185 g)	Uncooked, rinsed
Chicken broth	3 ¼ cups (26 ounces / 780 g)
Heavy cream	½ cup (119 g)
Monterey Jack cheese	1 cup (113 g)	Shredded
Parmesan cheese	⅓ cup (33 g)	Grated
Fresh parsley		Chopped, for garnish

Why They Call It Marry Me Chicken

My grandson made this for his girlfriend last fall. He was so nervous. Her smile was as bright as the sun when she took her first bite. Now they joke about the name all the time. I still laugh at that. This dish is just that special. It feels like a big, warm hug from the inside.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a little secret kick. The sun-dried tomatoes are my favorite part. They add such a sweet little surprise. Let’s get our hands busy and make some magic. I promise, it’s easier than it looks. You’ll fill your whole kitchen with the most wonderful smell.

• Step 1: Grab your chicken cubes. Sprinkle them with the paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper too. Toss it all together with your hands. I love how the red paprika makes the chicken look so sunny. This is the best way to get all the flavors to stick.
• Step 2: Heat the oil and butter in your big skillet. Listen for that gentle sizzle when you add the chicken. Cook it until it’s golden brown on every side. (A hard-learned tip: don’t crowd the pan! Cook in two batches if you need to). This gives you the best color. Then take the chicken out and cover it up to keep it cozy.
• Step 3: In that same yummy skillet, cook your diced onion. You want it soft and see-through. Then stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Oh, doesn’t that smell amazing? It only needs a minute. My mouth starts watering right at this part every single time.
• Step 4: Now, pour in your rinsed rice and the chicken broth. Give it a good stir and let it come to a boil. Then, turn the heat down low, put the lid on, and let it whisper for about 20 minutes. The rice will drink up most of the broth. What’s the best smell in your kitchen? Share below!
• Step 5: Turn off the heat. This is the fun part! Stir in the heavy cream and all that cheese. Add your warm chicken back in. Watch everything get all ooey-gooey and creamy. Stir until the cheese has completely melted into a silky sauce. It’s pure magic in a pan.
• Step 6: Finally, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top. That little bit of green makes it look so pretty on the plate. It’s like putting a ribbon on a gift. Now it’s ready to share with your favorite people. I hope it brings you as many happy memories as it has for me.

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner

Give It Your Own Twist

Recipes are like stories. You can always add your own chapter. Don’t be afraid to play with your food. I do it all the time. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Each one makes the dish a little different and fun.

• Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Swap the chicken for sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they are nice and brown. You won’t miss the meat at all, I promise.
• Extra Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions. Use a little extra of that crushed red pepper too. It will really wake up your taste buds.
• Summer Garden Version: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end. Maybe some chopped artichoke hearts, too. It tastes like sunshine on a plate.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This dinner is a full meal all by itself. But I always think a little something on the side makes it extra special. A simple green salad with a lemony dressing is perfect. The crisp lettuce cuts through the rich, creamy rice so nicely. Some garlic bread is never a bad idea either. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

What should we drink with it? For the grown-ups, a glass of chilled Chardonnay pairs beautifully. It’s crisp and clean. For a cozy family treat, I love sparkling apple cider. Its sweet bubbles are a wonderful match for the savory chicken. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Marry Me Chicken Cozy for Later

This dinner makes wonderful leftovers. Let it cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay happy for about three days.

You can also freeze it for a busy night. I use a freezer-safe bag. Just lay the bag flat in your freezer. This saves so much space.

To reheat, add a splash of broth to a pan. Warm it slowly over medium-low heat. Stir it gently until it is hot all the way through. I once reheated it too fast and the sauce broke. Slow and steady wins the race!

Batch cooking this meal is a lifesaver. It means a good dinner is always ready. This matters because it takes stress out of your week. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Is your rice a bit crunchy? This means it needed more liquid or time. Just add a little more warm broth. Then let it cook, covered, for a few more minutes.

If your sauce looks oily or separated, do not worry. The heat was likely too high. I remember when this happened to my first cheese sauce. I was so disappointed! Just stir in a tablespoon of warm cream. This brings it back together beautifully.

Is the chicken drying out? You might have cooked it too long. Browning it quickly keeps the inside tender and juicy. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. A creamy sauce also needs a gentle touch to stay smooth. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Marry Me Chicken Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish the day before. Then just reheat it gently before serving.

Q: What if I do not have sun-dried tomatoes? A: You can use a tablespoon of tomato paste instead. It will still taste lovely.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Use your biggest pot or skillet. You might need a few more minutes of cooking time.

Q: Is the red pepper very spicy? A: It adds just a little warmth. You can leave it out if you prefer. Fun fact: Paprika mainly adds color and a sweet, smoky flavor! Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe brings joy to your table. It is one of my favorite cozy meals. Cooking for people is a way to show you care.

I would love to see your creation. Your family’s version of this dish is special. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s share the goodness.

Happy cooking! —Fiona Brooks.