Hearty Marry Me Chicken Salad Recipe

I can’t scroll through social media without seeing that famous creamy chicken dinner, and for good reason, because those rich flavors are unforgettable.

My craving for those savory notes hit right at lunchtime recently, so I created this Marry Me Chicken Salad to enjoy them cold.

What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Salad So Special

Most chicken salads rely heavily on just mayonnaise, but this version uses a blend of sour cream and parmesan for incredible depth.

It comes together in about fifteen minutes if you use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it perfect for busy weeks when you need a quick meal.

The combination of sweet sun-dried tomatoes and savory garlic powder creates a bold flavor profile in this Marry Me Chicken Salad that actually gets better as it sits.

If you enjoyed this creamy lunch option, you’ll want to try my Hearty Icebox Cake (Eclair Cake Recipe) next, plus the Cozy Southern Banana Pudding Recipe delivers the same comfort food vibes.

Everything You Need for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Salad

Here are the pantry staples and fresh items you will need to gather for this recipe:

• Chicken Broth: A low-sodium variety works best to keep the salt levels balanced during poaching.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These provide a lean base, though you can use tenderloins if that is what you have on hand.
• Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality real mayonnaise for the best creamy texture and binding.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
• Shallot: This provides a milder, sweeter onion flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for the variety packed in oil, as they are softer and more flavorful than the dry kind.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: You will reserve some oil from the jar to infuse the dressing with color and taste.
• Fresh Basil: This adds a necessary pop of brightness and color to the finished salad.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the dressing better than the pre-shredded kind.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in the chicken and dressing.
• Garlic Powder: A teaspoon gives the salad that signature savory kick associated with the original dish.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.

My Method for Marry Me Chicken Salad

Let’s get mixing and assemble this flavorful dish:

1. To start, I place the chicken breasts in a wide skillet and pour the chicken broth over them until they are fully submerged. I bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Once cooked, I move the chicken to a cutting board to rest for five minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces with two forks, making sure to save the broth in the pan.
2. While the chicken rests, I grab a large mixing bowl to whip up the creamy dressing that gives this Marry Me Chicken Salad its signature taste. I combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped shallot, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the reserved tomato oil, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. I stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and the oil is fully emulsified into the creamy base.
3. Finally, I add the warm shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing and toss it until every piece is generously coated. To get the perfect consistency, I spoon in the reserved chicken broth one tablespoon at a time, usually using about four tablespoons, until the salad is luscious and creamy but not soupy. I cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

My Marry Me Chicken Salad Secrets

Using the oil straight from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes is a crucial step that infuses the dressing with an extra layer of savory richness and color.

I always recommend letting the Marry Me Chicken Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes so the garlic and basil flavors can fully marry.

If you prefer a slightly lighter texture, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt without losing that satisfying creaminess.

Best Ways to Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Salad

I often scoop this mixture onto buttery croissants for a lunch that feels like a special occasion treat even on a weekday.

It also works beautifully served inside crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, lower-carb option that still satisfies my craving for Marry Me Chicken Salad.

If you love easy, comforting recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest for more daily inspiration.

Marry Me Chicken Salad Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 37 min
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A creamy, savory twist on the viral dinner recipe, this Marry Me Chicken Salad features sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan for a perfect lunch.

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Ingredients

• 1 carton (32 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large skillet and cover them with the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
2. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding it with two forks. Reserve the cooking broth.
3. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, shallot, sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato oil, basil, parmesan, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Stir in reserved chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time (about 4-6 tablespoons total), until the salad reaches your desired creaminess.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving.

Notes

Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time; simply skip the poaching step and use about 4-6 tablespoons of broth or water to thin the dressing.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Chilling Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Salad, creamy chicken salad, easy lunch recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken