Marry Me Chicken and Rice

Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a creamy skillet dinner made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fluffy jasmine rice, all ready in about 30 minutes. Unlike traditional Marry Me Chicken recipes, this version is built specifically around rice, allowing every bite to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.

Marry Me Chicken earned its playful name because the creamy Parmesan sauce is supposedly so irresistible that it's "marriage proposal worthy." Whether or not that's true, one bite of this rich, comforting dinner makes it easy to understand how the recipe became so popular.

Love creamy chicken dinners? If you're looking for a pasta version, be sure to try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Prefer seafood? My Marry Me Shrimp and Rice delivers the same creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with juicy shrimp instead.

Don't forget dessert! My Maple Bacon Cupcakes are easy the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Gluten and Dairy-Free Cookies and Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf Starbucks Copycat are two other delicious options for you to try!

Why This Marry Me Chicken and Rice Recipe WOrks

• A Family Favorite: This hearty family dinner is full of simple ingredients and hearty family dinner. The kids will love the browned chicken breast and the rice is a great gluten-free option for anyone with an allergy.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. This makes it easy for any family night dinner or a more romantic date night option.
• Perfect Leftovers: Make a big batch of this creamy chicken and rice sauce so you can easily serve it again or use it for meal prep. The jasmine rice reheats to its soft texture in just minutes!

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

This is my favorite ingredient! Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated sweetness and the signature tangy flavor that makes my Marry Me recipes. The depth of flavor is a big part of why I use this ingredient. I also use oil from that same jar to help intensify the deeper flavors in the cream sauce.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is an unsung hero of this dish. My recipe calls for a brief browning which in turn caramelizes its natural sugars and creates a deeper, richer sauce.

Chicken Broth

I prefer chicken broth because it adds a richer savory flavor that complements the creamy Parmesan sauce and helps deglaze the skillet.

Minced Garlic

I like to use this instead of fresh garlic because it helps streamline the recipe and prevents extra prep work. You can easily substitute fresh garlic if it's already in the kitchen or you want a more pronounced flavor in this hearty family dinner.

The Best Rice for Marry me Chicken

Without a doubt, jasmine rice is the best option for this creamy marry me chicken recipe. After making this recipe with 5 different kinds of rice, I consistently find long-grain rice absorbs the creamy sauce the best without becoming chewy. If you are trying to show off for friends, stick to the fluffier option and only coat about half the rice in sauce to keep the perfect ratio.

Leftover rice also works well in this recipe, making it a great way to use up rice from the night before.

If you want to make a healthier option, brown rice or quinoa do work well. A wild grain mix will also work but be aware these tend to be more firm kernels of rice. They also take longer to cook and can absorb less sauce. It is also harder to reheat them if you are trying to enjoy leftovers. For these reasons I think it is best to stick to jasmine rice.

Flavor Variations

• Spice it Up: I love adding a bit of heat to this recipe. If you enjoy extra heat add a Serrano or Fresno chili into the sauce. If you want just a taste of heat think about paprika or some red pepper chili flakes.
• Extra Add-ins: Mushrooms, asparagus, green beans and bacon are all great flavors to add into my 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
• ▢
  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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