Looking for an easy and tasty one-pot chicken and rice dinner? This Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a creamy, cheesy recipe with sun-dried tomatoes and simple seasonings, perfect for busy weeknights. Made all in one skillet, it’s a quick and delicious easy chicken dinner that your whole family will love. If you love this creamy chicken and rice skillet (which I know you will!), you’ll also want to try my Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo. It’s homemade chicken meatballs in a rich, cheesy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy orzo. And, if you are still waiting on that proposal, sweeten the deal with my Marry Me Cookies for dessert😜!
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s called “Marry Me” because it’s so good that people joke it could get you a marriage proposal! And, I clearly love the flavor combination because I also have Marry Me Chicken Soup and Marry Me Chicken Pasta! (And, yes, I am happily married, I just really love the taste!)
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Although I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you could use chicken thighs if preferred. Cut the chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking. Then, season the chicken with paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using for a little kick), salt, and pepper.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The red pepper flakes (also called crushed red pepper), add just a touch of heat to the chicken (but not too much). If you do not like a little kick, simply leave them out. Or, add more for even more heat!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For this recipe, soak about 6-7 whole sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) in hot water for 30 minutes to soften them. Then drain, pat dry, and chop. I like to save a few pieces for garnish, too! You can also use sun-dried tomatoes in oil; just drain well and chop before adding them to the dish. Both options add a rich, tangy flavor to your one-pot chicken and rice dinner.
- Rice: I used long-grain white rice for this creamy chicken and rice recipe. It cooks up fluffy and tender, and it soaks up all the flavor from the broth, chicken, and cheese. Rinse the rice before cooking to keep it from turning sticky. If you need a substitute, basmati rice or jasmine rice will also work well. Just avoid instant rice or short-grain varieties, as they can get too soft or mushy in this one-pot dish.
- Chicken Broth: The chicken broth gives the rice and chicken tons of flavor while helping everything cook up tender and juicy. You can also use chicken stock or low-sodium broth if you prefer, just taste and adjust the salt if needed. Then the heavy cream is added at the end to make the dish extra creamy and comforting.
- Cheese: I used both Monterey Jack cheese and Parmesan in this one-pot dish. I like using Monterey Jack because it melts really well and makes everything nice and creamy. Parmesan adds a little salty flavor that goes great with the chicken and rice. If you don’t have these, you can use mozzarella or cheddar, or just something that melts easily. The cheese makes this meal extra cozy and delicious!
What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken and Rice
Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a hearty and creamy one-pot meal, so it pairs well with fresh, simple sides. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with this chicken and rice dish:
- Wedge Salad
- Roasted Vegetables (like roasted asparagus or roasted green beans)
- Cucumber Salad
- Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Focaccia Breadsticks
- Finish off the meal with a light dessert like an angel food cake or a berry trifle.
How To Store and Reheat
To keep your Marry Me Chicken and Rice fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to keep it creamy and prevent drying out while reheating. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese smooth.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Marry Me Chicken and Rice can be frozen for easy make-ahead meals. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to bring back the creamy texture as it warms. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese from separating.
Marry Me Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup (6-7 whole) sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water, chopped
- 1 cup (185 g) uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 ¼ cups (26 ounces / 780 g) chicken broth
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream
- 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup (33 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, season the chicken with paprika, onion powder, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- To the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the rice and chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 17–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan, and the cooked chicken, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This Marry Me Chicken and Rice is so good! It is creamy and full of flavor, I will definitely be making this again!
Elizabeth
I loved this dish! It is not too heavy, and I love the little bit of a kick from the red pepper flakes. It's a winner!
Stephanie
This really easy to throw together and great for a satisfying dinner any night of the week!
Bella
I love everything about this chicken and rice–tender chicken, cheesy rice, and a creamy sauce. I added a few more red pepper flakes for some extra heat, too!
Can I use half and half to replace the cream?
Sure