Marry Me Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan dinner that can be prepared in just about 30 minutes! This dish combines tender chicken, savory spices, and creamy cheese over a bed of flavorful rice, making it perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. Its delicious taste and simple preparation will surely impress your family and friends, ensuring that it becomes a go-to recipe for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Simplify your cleanup with this all-in-one meal that minimizes dishes while maximizing flavor.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and cheeses creates a luscious sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe with different vegetables or spices based on your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests; everyone will love the comforting flavors.
Tools and Preparation
To make Marry Me Chicken and Rice, having the right kitchen tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lid for skillet
Why These Tools Matter
- Large skillet: A spacious pan allows you to cook everything evenly without overcrowding.
- Cooking spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients well, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Marry Me Chicken and Rice is an easy one pan dinner that can be made in about 30 minutes!
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp each salt, pepper, oregano, thyme
- 1 tsp each onion powder and garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
For the Rice
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Marry Me Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into small cubes. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp of butter to the skillet along with the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is nearly fully cooked through.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Next, add 1 tbsp minced garlic, chopped sun dried tomatoes, 1 cup of uncooked rinsed rice, and 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together well. Cover with a lid; once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until your rice reaches your desired doneness.
Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce
After the rice has cooked, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir well until everything is combined. Top with a bit more cheese if desired. Allow it to sit covered on the stove until the cheese melts or place it under a broiler for just a couple of minutes for a bubbly finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Top your creamy Marry Me Chicken and Rice with shredded Parmesan cheese and dried parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish warm!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken and Rice
Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the creamy chicken perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the dish.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Consider a Vegetable Side
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides color and nutrients while adding a mild flavor contrast.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crisp, asparagus enhances the overall presentation of your meal.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken and Rice
To make sure your Marry Me Chicken and Rice turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Bold seasoning: Ensure you season the chicken well to bring out its flavor. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
- Bold rice rinsing: Rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps keep it fluffy.
- Bold simmering: Keep an eye on the heat while simmering. A gentle simmer ensures even cooking without burning.
- Bold cheese layering: For an extra cheesy finish, layer mozzarella cheese on top before broiling for that golden crust.
- Bold resting time: Allow the dish to rest after cooking. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken and Rice
To create a well-rounded meal around Marry Me Chicken and Rice, consider these tasty side dishes. They will complement the main dish and enhance your dining experience.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes flavored with garlic add comfort and richness to your meal.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini brings a fresh flavor that pairs well with the creamy chicken dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a crunch and sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory elements in the main course.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad with veggies offers a light alternative that’s nutritious and filling.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans provide a hearty side that complements the creamy texture of the chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances richness with its refreshing crunch, making for an inviting plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Marry Me Chicken and Rice, there are a few mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked until it’s no longer pink but not overdone. This keeps it tender and juicy.
- Skipping the rinsing of rice: Not rinsing your rice can lead to a starchy texture. Always rinse it thoroughly to achieve fluffier grains.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for balanced flavors.
- Forgetting to cover while cooking: Covering the skillet helps steam the rice properly. Without a lid, the rice may not cook evenly or absorb enough liquid.
- Using low-quality cheese: The quality of cheese affects flavor and creaminess. Opt for good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Marry Me Chicken and Rice can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken and Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marry Me Chicken and Rice?
Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a delicious one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken cooked with creamy rice and flavorful seasonings. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I customize Marry Me Chicken and Rice?
Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences as well.
How do I make Marry Me Chicken and Rice gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free rice and ensure that all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare Marry Me Chicken and Rice?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a delightful recipe that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Its creamy texture combined with rich flavors makes it a great choice for dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste!

Marry Me Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken, savory spices, and creamy cheese over a bed of flavorful rice. In just 30 minutes, you can create this comfort food favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The rich combination of heavy cream and melted mozzarella creates an irresistible sauce that will impress your family and friends. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, this dish is destined to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb diced chicken breast
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add the diced chicken with seasonings. Cook until nearly done.
- Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed rice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well and cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded mozzarella until combined; let sit covered until cheese melts or broil briefly for a bubbly finish.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg