Marry Me Chicken Skewers

The Marry Me Chicken Skewers take all the magic of the beloved creamy chicken dish and reimagine it into a grill-friendly favorite. Juicy grilled chicken is slathered with a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce that’s bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist. Perfect for impressing guests or spicing up your weeknight rotation, this dish balances bold flavor and ease of preparation. Serve it with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or buttery mashed potatoes for a complete meal that’s sure to earn compliments—and maybe even a proposal!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Marry Me Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Thread onto soaked wooden skewers.
Grill skewers for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove and let rest.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the warm sauce generously over the grilled chicken skewers. Garnish with fresh basil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken Skewers

The original “Marry Me Chicken” dish gained popularity as a creamy, skillet-based chicken recipe so delicious it was jokingly said to be capable of eliciting marriage proposals. Inspired by Italian flavors and comforting cream sauces, it went viral for its richness, simplicity, and elegant presentation.

This skewer version is a fun and modern take on the viral classic—perfect for grilling season, outdoor gatherings, or weeknight dinners that feel special without the extra fuss. With smoky, flame-kissed chicken and that same irresistible sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, Marry Me Chicken Skewers offer everything people love about the original but with an exciting twist and more versatility.

Why These Skewers Are So Irresistible

The name might sound playful, but the flavor is seriously next level. Juicy chicken grilled to perfection is combined with a sauce that hits every taste note—creamy, tangy, garlicky, cheesy, and savory. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a slight sweetness and bold depth, while the Parmesan adds saltiness and umami. Together, they form a symphony of flavor that coats every bite of the chicken without being too heavy.

It’s also a beautiful dish to serve. When plated with fresh herbs and maybe a drizzle of sauce on the side, it looks as though it came straight from a high-end restaurant—but you can pull it off in your own backyard or kitchen in under 40 minutes.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Marry Me Chicken Skewers are surprisingly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner for two, entertaining guests, or meal-prepping for the week, these skewers check every box. They’re portable, easy to eat, and don’t require complicated sides to shine.

For date nights, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. For summer BBQs or family dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser with universal appeal. You can even cut up leftovers for salads, wraps, or pasta dishes the next day.

Health Benefits Without Compromising Flavor

Despite the creamy sauce, this recipe can be considered a balanced, protein-rich meal. Using skinless chicken breast keeps it lean, while the grilled cooking method reduces the need for excess fats or oils. The sauce, although decadent, is made from whole ingredients like garlic, broth, cream, and cheese, so you can enjoy it mindfully.

You can also make this recipe lower-carb or keto-friendly by pairing it with roasted veggies or cauliflower rice. It’s naturally gluten-free (as long as your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free), making it an inclusive option for many dietary preferences.

Easy to Make, Hard to Forget

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its simplicity. You don’t need advanced culinary skills or fancy equipment. Just a good knife, a grill (or grill pan), and a small saucepan are enough to pull off something that tastes and looks gourmet.

Prep is minimal—just cut and season the chicken, mix the sauce ingredients, and thread the meat onto skewers. Most of the cooking is hands-off. In fact, the sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed, which is a huge bonus if you’re entertaining.

Tips to Elevate the Flavor Even More

To take your Marry Me Chicken Skewers to the next level:

Marinate the Chicken: Although not required, a quick marinade in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning can infuse extra depth into the chicken.
Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan (not the pre-packaged kind) makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
Control the Creaminess: If you like a thicker sauce, simmer it longer. For a lighter touch, add a splash of extra broth or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Basil adds brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Fresh parsley or oregano also work well.

Pairing Suggestions

Although these skewers can absolutely stand alone, pairing them with the right sides can round out the meal:

Vegetable Sides: Grilled zucchini, asparagus, or roasted bell peppers enhance the smokiness of the dish and keep it fresh.
Carbs: Garlic mashed potatoes, orzo, or even crusty bread are great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Salads: Try a lemony arugula salad or a Caprese salad with balsamic glaze for a light, refreshing contrast.

Customizable for Your Guests

This recipe can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the sauce.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version (the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious).
Vegetarian Option: Try using tofu or halloumi cheese on the skewers and douse with the same sauce—it works surprisingly well.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Marry Me Chicken Skewers are ideal for make-ahead meals:

Prep Ahead: The sauce can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the grilled chicken (without sauce) and thaw/reheat as needed. Make fresh sauce when ready to serve.

How This Dish Fits into Modern Cooking Trends

This recipe ticks so many boxes when it comes to what people love in 2025:

Instagram-worthy: It looks gorgeous and gets likes. That creamy sauce over charred chicken? Photogenic perfection.
Low-effort, high-reward: We’re all busy, and this dish delivers big flavor without a ton of work.
Fusion Flavors: It mixes rustic Italian influences with American-style grilling, which is very on-trend.
Romantic but Casual: With its cheeky name and rich taste, it’s both fun and refined.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Skewers aren’t just a trend—they’re a testament to how a few good ingredients can come together in a way that feels special. Whether you’re trying to impress a date, feed a crowd, or just treat yourself to something incredible, this dish is a guaranteed win. The balance of ease, flavor, and presentation is what makes it truly outstanding. Once you try it, you’ll understand why people fall in love with it—sometimes literally.