Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Plates

This lighter version of the beloved Marry Me dish creates a creamy, cheesy dip combining shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. The blend of light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and Parmesan yields a rich texture without heaviness. Sautéed garlic infuses depth, while basil and Italian seasonings add freshness. Baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs beautifully with veggies, crackers, or toasted bread, making it ideal for entertaining or cozy nights.

Simple to prepare in under 40 minutes, this gluten-free option balances savory flavors with creamy textures for an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:19:00 GMT
Creamy Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, bubbly and golden, served with colorful veggie sticks, perfect for sharing. Save
Creamy Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, bubbly and golden, served with colorful veggie sticks, perfect for sharing. | meanwhilerecipe.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&mdashperfect for parties or cozy nights in.

I enjoy making this dip because it balances creamy and savory flavors without feeling too heavy, making it a favorite for gatherings.

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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Step 6:
Garnish with extra fresh basil. Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.
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This recipe has become a family favorite, often brought out during holidays and parties where everyone asks for seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Variations

Add chopped spinach for extra greens or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Close-up of the delicious Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, showing shredded chicken in a cheesy, sun-dried tomato base. Save
Close-up of the delicious Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, showing shredded chicken in a cheesy, sun-dried tomato base. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This dip always impresses guests and makes any gathering feel special with minimal effort required.

Recipe FAQ

What cheeses are used in this dip?

The dip combines light cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, part-skim mozzarella, and grated Parmesan for a creamy, tangy flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and adds extra flavor, making the preparation quicker and easier.

Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers or veggies.

How do sun-dried tomatoes enhance the dip?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth that complements the creamy cheese and savory chicken, balancing the flavors.

What are some good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve warm with sliced vegetables, whole grain crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

Yes, chopped spinach or other greens can be stirred in for added nutrients and color.

Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip

Creamy chicken dip with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan—perfect for sharing.

Time to Prepare
15 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Complete Time
40 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Weekend Comfort Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations No Gluten, Low Carb

Ingredient List

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (approximately 2 large breasts)

Dairy & Cheeses

01 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
02 1 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
03 ½ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
04 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
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

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

Step 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, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until uniform.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh basil and serve warm alongside your choice of sliced vegetables, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan)
  • Contains chicken
  • Gluten-free as prepared if served with gluten-free dippers

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 165
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 20 g