Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This creamy dish features shredded chicken combined with sun-dried tomatoes, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Aromatic herbs and garlic add depth, while baking melds flavors and creates a golden crust. Perfect for sharing with fresh basil garnish and paired with veggies or crunchy dippers.

Simple to prepare and lightened with yogurt and part-skim cheese, it offers balanced richness and savory notes, ideal for appetizers or casual meals.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:13:00 GMT
Creamy, golden Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip ready to be scooped with crackers, perfect for any gathering. Save
Creamy, golden Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip ready to be scooped with crackers, perfect for any gathering. | butterhearth.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 first made this for a family gathering and everyone loved the rich flavors without feeling too heavy.

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 dip always brings smiles to my family's game night.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with sliced veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita chips for a perfect appetizer.

Storage Tips

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

Variations

Add chopped spinach for a green boost or use bacon bits for a smoky flavor twist.

A close-up of a bubbling, baked Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, the perfect appetizer. Save
A close-up of a bubbling, baked Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip, the perfect appetizer. | butterhearth.com

This lighter Marry Me Chicken Dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or cozy night in.

Recipe Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves prep time while maintaining the dish's tender texture.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Low-fat sour cream makes a great substitute, keeping the creaminess without adding heaviness.

How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor?

They add a sweet, tangy intensity that complements the creamy cheeses and savory chicken beautifully.

Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, the dish itself contains no gluten; just ensure dippers or sides are gluten-free.

What herbs enhance the overall taste?

Basil, oregano, and thyme bring fresh, earthy notes that balance the richness and add aromatic depth.

Lightened Marry Me Chicken Dip

Creamy blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheeses for easy, flavorful entertaining.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations No Gluten

Components

Chicken

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

Dairy & Cheeses

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

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 ⅓ cup drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
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

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Heat oven to 375°F.

Stage 02

Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Warm olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.

Stage 03

Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and tomatoes, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

Bake dip: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until mixture is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Stage 06

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra fresh basil on top. Serve warm alongside sliced vegetables, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy and chicken. Gluten-free if served with gluten-free dippers. Verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 165
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Protein Content: 20 g