Marry Me Chicken and Rice

Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a creamy, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fluffy jasmine rice, all ready in about 30 minutes. This easy Marry Me Chicken and Rice recipe pairs the classic creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with rice for a hearty meal that comes together quickly.

Love the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in this recipe? Try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a pasta version, or my Marry Me Shrimp and Rice if you prefer seafood.

New Orleans Marry Me Pasta is another simple recipe that is loaded with big "Marry Me" flavor.

Why This Marry Me Chicken and Rice Recipe Works

• A Creamy, Flavorful Sauce: Sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning create a rich, savory sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: The rice cooks while you prepare the chicken and creamy sauce, making this an easy dinner for a busy weeknight.
• Tested With Different Rice Varieties: I tested this recipe with five types of rice and found that jasmine rice gives the best combination of fluffy texture and sauce absorption.

Ingredients and Why They Matter

See the recipe card below for a list of exact measurements.

Chicken

I used Springer Mountain Farms Individually Wrapped 6 oz. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts for this recipe. I always use this brand because they never use antibiotics or hormones and never add animal by-products to their feed. It's also American Humane Certified, which I really love.

I have tested this recipe with both chicken breasts and thighs. I find they both work well but the chicken breasts are better for this high-protein dinner.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes give this dish its signature sweet-tart tomato flavor that makes my Marry Me recipes. I also use some of the oil from the jar to cook the chicken, which adds even more tomato flavor to the dish.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps deepen the sauce. I briefly cook it with the onion and garlic before adding the liquids, which brings out a richer flavor.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds savory flavor to the creamy sauce and helps deglaze the skillet after cooking the chicken.

Minced Garlic

I use minced garlic to keep this recipe quick and easy, but fresh garlic can be substituted if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.

What Rice Is Best for Marry Me Chicken and Rice?

Jasmine rice is my favorite rice for this recipe. After testing this recipe with five different types of rice, I found that jasmine rice stays fluffy while absorbing the creamy sauce without becoming chewy. Leftover jasmine rice also works well, making this recipe a convenient way to use up cooked rice from the night before. Brown rice and quinoa can also be used, but they have a firmer texture and may require different cooking times. For the best texture and sauce absorption, I recommend jasmine rice.

Flavor Variations

• Spice it Up: Add sliced Fresno or serrano peppers for more heat, or use red pepper flakes for a milder kick.
• Extra Add-ins: Want to add vegetables? Mushrooms, asparagus, or extra spinach would all work well in this creamy chicken and rice recipe.
• Fresh Grated Parmesan: This is always a fun one for the kids. Grab a block and a grater and enjoy the fresh flakes.
• Finish with Lemon: I love to hit this plate with a dash of fresh lemon juice. It helps brighten the dish and compliment the sweet flavors.

How To Make Marry Me Chicken and Rice

Step 1. Start by measuring two cups of raw rice. Add the rice to your pot and rinse it with water to remove extra starch. Then, add 4 cups of water to the pot and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes while you make the recipe. You will know its done when the extra water is gone and the rice is fluffy.

Step 2. On a cutting board, gently pound down the chicken breast to even them out. This allows for more even cooking. In a medium bowl, combine chicken breast with the chicken seasonings: Paprika, Italian, salt, and dry basil. Mix until evenly coated then set aside. 

Step 3. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breast. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Cover and continue cooking until the thickest part reaches 165°F. and the juices run clear. Timing depends on the size of your chicken breast. Once the temperature has been reached, remove the chicken. 

Step 4. In the same pan, add the diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, and remaining sauce seasonings: Italian, paprika, salt, garlic powder, Stir well while cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to become translucent. Next pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir continuously and allow the sauce to simmer until it begins to thicken. While the sauce is cooking, dice the chicken and set aside. Once the sauce begins to thicken, lower the heat to medium low, and add in the sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5. Simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 3–5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the cheese is melted. Then, add back in the cooked chicken and spinach. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through and coated in the sauce. 

Step 6. For a restaurant-style presentation, pack the rice into a small bowl before inverting it onto the plate. Now pour the Marry Me Chicken and parmesan sauce on top of the rice. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use a Circulon Pan: I love my Circulon Ceramic Nonstick Pans. It has high walls, heats quickly, and is covered with an extremely strong coating that protects against wear and tear. Click the link to get $20 off your next pan!
• Rice, Chicken, Sauce: You want to follow this order of cooking. I have tested it and this order ensures that your rice is done on time, your chicken stay moist and your sauce is still the perfect texture.
• Remove the Chicken: Removing the chicken after browning prevents it from overcooking while the cream sauce develops. It also allows the flavorful browned bits on the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and become part of the sauce.
• Add Your Parmesan Slowly: Slow and steady will help prevent the cheese from clumping. It also protects your sauce from getting a gritty texture.

Marry Me Chicken and Rice Frequently Asked Questions

More Marry Me Sauce Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Marry Me Chicken and Rice

1x2x3x

Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a creamy one-skillet dinner made with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fluffy jasmine rice in just 30 minutes.

5 from 2 votes

Nicole Kendrick

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Video

1x2x3x

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 937 kcal

Equipment

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  Circulon Halo Ceramic Nonstick 5-Quart Sauté Pan
• ▢
  Circulon Halo Ceramic Nonstick 3-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
• ▢
  Measuring spoons
• ▢
  Measuring cups
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  Mixing Bowl
• ▢
  Rubber spatula
• ▢
  cutting board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Chicken

• ▢ 1 pound Springer Mountain Farms chicken breasts
• ▢ 2 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil from the jar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon basil

Rice

• ▢ 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice prepared according to package directions

Sauce

• ▢ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ▢ ½ cup chicken broth
• ▢ ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes diced
• ▢ ½ cup onion diced small
• ▢ 3 tablespoon tomato paste
• ▢ 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• ▢ 1 cup spinach diced
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dry basil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ¾ cup parmesan cheese
• ▢ Optional: fresh basil for serving

Instructions

 

• Start by measuring two cups of raw rice. Add the rice to your pot and rinse it with water to remove extra starch. Then, add 4 cups of water to the pot and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes while you make the recipe. You will know its done when the extra water is gone and the rice is fluffy.
• On a cutting board, gently pound down the chicken breast to even them out. This allows for more even cooking. In a medium bowl, combine chicken breast with the chicken seasonings: Paprika, Italian, salt, and dry basil. Mix until evenly coated then set aside.
• Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breast. Cook for 3 minutes and then flip. Cook for another 3 minutes, flip again then cover with a lid. Allow this to cook for 3-5 minutes and remove once the internal temperature is 165°F. Timing depends on the size of your chicken breast. Once the temperature has been reached, remove the chicken.
• In the same pan, add the diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, and remaining sauce seasonings: Italian, paprika, salt, garlic powder, Stir well while cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to become translucent. Next pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir really well and allow the sauce to simmer until it begins to thicken. While the sauce is cooking, dice the chicken and set aside. Once the sauce begins to thicken, lower the heat to medium low, and add in the sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
• Simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 3–5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the cheese is melted. Then, add back in the cooked chicken and spinach. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through and coated in the sauce.
• Form your rice into a nice shape by pressing it into a clean bowl. Then plate it and pour the Marry Me Chicken on top of the rice. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Notes

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze leftovers.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 937kcalCarbohydrates: 96gProtein: 44gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 25gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 1581mgPotassium: 1519mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 3686IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 402mgIron: 5mg

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