Marry Me Chicken – Simple Version (Easy 30-Minute Skillet Recipe)

Easy Marry Me Chicken made with juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, milk, and cheese. A simple, creamy skillet dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

If you’ve ever tasted a chicken recipe so good it made you want to propose to the cook, you’ve already experienced the magic behind the viral dish known as Marry Me Chicken. This simplified version keeps all the creamy, rich, savory flavors people love—but with fewer ingredients, no heavy cream, and no complicated steps. It’s made with juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, whole milk, and melty cheese, resulting in a luscious, slightly tangy sauce that tastes like something straight from a cozy Italian café.

The best part? This dish is ready in under 30 minutes. By air-frying the chicken thighs and building the sauce right in a cast-iron skillet, you get incredible flavor with almost zero effort. Whether you’re cooking for date night, hosting friends, or feeding the family on a busy weeknight, this Simple Marry Me Chicken delivers big on flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out for its simplicity and flavor. First, the air fryer guarantees perfectly cooked, golden-brown chicken thighs without babysitting them on the stove. While they cook, you can build your sauce and have dinner ready faster than takeout.

Second, unlike traditional Marry Me Chicken, this version doesn’t rely on heavy cream. Whole milk combined with cheese creates a silky, reduced sauce that’s lighter but still incredibly creamy. Add sun-dried tomatoes—which bring a concentrated sweet-savory flavor—and you get a restaurant-quality meal using everyday grocery staples.

Finally, this recipe is versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa. Pair it with a salad or roasted veggies. Dress it up for a special occasion or keep it simple for a weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that always feels like a win.

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Breakdown of the Ingredients

Chicken Thighs (1.5–2 lbs)

Chicken thighs are ideal here because they stay juicy, tender, and flavorful, especially in the air fryer. Bone-in or boneless both work—just adjust cooking time slightly.

Salt & Pepper

Keeping the seasoning simple allows the sauce and sun-dried tomatoes to shine. You can add paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning if you want extra flavor.

Olive Oil

Used for sautéing the tomatoes and building the creamy skillet sauce. Choose good extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Whole Milk (1 cup)

Whole milk adds creaminess without being too heavy. When simmered with cheese, it thickens into a luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½–1 cup, chopped)

These add acidity, sweetness, and umami to the dish. Oil-packed tomatoes work best, but dry-packed can be used after lightly rehydrating.

Shredded Cheese (½–1 cup)

Mozzarella melts beautifully into a creamy sauce, Parmesan adds sharpness, and a blend provides the perfect balance. Use what you prefer—or mix them all.

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How to Make the Recipe

1. Air-fry the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry at 400°F for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crisp on the outside, and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). This method gives you perfectly cooked thighs without extra oil or mess.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a cast-iron skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm and soften for 1–2 minutes. Their oils flavor the entire base of the sauce.

Pour in the whole milk and stir gently as it comes to a low simmer. Do not rapidly boil the milk; keeping it at a gentle simmer helps it reduce and thicken naturally.

3. Finish the Dish

Add the air-fried chicken thighs directly into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy tomato mixture. Spoon the sauce over the tops of the chicken.

Add the shredded cheese over the chicken and sauce. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 5–8 minutes. The cheese will melt completely, blending into a velvety sauce while the milk reduces slightly to create the signature creamy finish of Marry Me Chicken.

Serve immediately with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

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How to Store This Recipe

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge but loosens beautifully when reheated.

Freezer

You can freeze it, but dairy-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you choose to freeze, store in a freezer-safe bag or dish for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop and add a splash of milk if needed.

Reheating

Warm in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a spoonful of milk to restore creaminess.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t boil the milk. High heat can cause it to separate. Gentle simmering ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. The infused oil boosts the flavor of the sauce.
• Choose your cheese wisely. Mozzarella gives you the best melt, Parmesan adds depth, and blends provide great balance.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This ensures crispy, evenly cooked chicken thighs.
• Finish under the broiler (optional). If you want browned, bubbly cheese, pop the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
• Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste to heat things up.

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FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes. Slice the breasts into cutlets and adjust the air-fry time to 8–12 minutes depending on thickness.

Can I substitute plant-based milk?

Unsweetened full-fat options may work, but the sauce won’t thicken the same way. Whole milk gives the best result.

Do I have to use a cast-iron skillet?

No, but cast iron retains heat well and helps the sauce thicken beautifully. Any large skillet works.

Can I add spinach or veggies?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers pair perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce.

Does this taste like traditional Marry Me Chicken?

Yes—just lighter. The sun-dried tomatoes and creamy cheese sauce deliver the signature savory, tangy flavor without needing heavy cream.