Hey there! It's Sarah from Easy Recipes to Try! Today I'm sharing my absolutely delicious Keto Marry Me Chicken recipe that will make anyone fall head over heels in love with your cooking skills. This creamy, flavorful chicken dish gets its cute name for a reason – it's so good it might just inspire a marriage proposal!
With tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this low-carb version of the famous recipe keeps all the amazing flavors while fitting perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
When I first tried making this dish last month, Emily couldn't stop talking about it for days! She even asked if we could have it again for her birthday dinner next week.
This Keto Marry Me Chicken has quickly become one of our family favorites, and I'm betting it will be yours too.
If you love this recipe, you might also want to check out my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken which has a similar rich and satisfying sauce that's also keto-friendly. Both recipes use simple ingredients but create truly impressive results that taste like they came from a fancy restaurant!
Why You Will Love This Keto Marry Me Chicken
- Ready in under 30 minutes - perfect for busy weeknights!
- Only 2.6g net carbs per serving - ideal for strict keto diets
- Made in one pan for minimal cleanup (who doesn't love that?)
- Rich, creamy sauce that's absolutely lick-your-plate delicious
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors
- Chicken stays juicy and tender with the perfect golden crust
Ingredients For This Delicious Keto Chicken
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) skinless and boneless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 g) heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon tomato extract
- 1 ounce (28 g) sun-dried tomatoes, finely sliced
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (plus more for garnish)
How To Make Keto Marry Me Chicken
Preparing The Chicken
- If using whole chicken breasts, first slice them into cutlets – cut off the tenders if present, then slice breasts horizontally starting from the thickest end to obtain two thinner fillets (these will cook faster).
- Rub all chicken pieces with salt and cayenne pepper.
- Set a large skillet on high heat. Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust develops.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm.
Making The Creamy Sauce
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to pan. Bring heat down to medium-low, and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
- After a few more seconds, when the garlic and spices release their aroma, add the chicken broth.
- Using a wooden spoon or metal whisk, deglaze the pan to incorporate the stuck caramelized bits into the sauce.
- Add the heavy cream, tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir gently until it starts simmering, and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens a little.
Finishing The Keto Chicken Dish
- Add the Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Stir until the Parmesan is fully dissolved.
- Carefully return the chicken pieces back into the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken or turn pieces around to coat them in sauce.
- Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is warmed up.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Why Is This Famous Chicken Called Marry Me Chicken?
The adorable name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from the idea that this dish is so irresistibly delicious that after tasting it, your dinner guest might just propose on the spot!
I can't make any guarantees, but my husband did ask for seconds AND do the dishes after I made this for him last week!
The recipe got its cheeky name similar to "Engagement Chicken," another famous dish that supposedly led to marriage proposals.
The combination of tender chicken with that rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is seriously proposal-worthy.
In my kitchen, we joke that it should be called "Make Me Another Plate Chicken" because that's what happens every single time I serve it!
Can I Make This Keto Recipe In Advance?
In my experience, this Keto Marry Me Chicken is best enjoyed fresh from the pan.
The sauce tends to thicken quite a bit as it cools down, and although it still tastes fantastic, the texture changes slightly when reheated.
I've found that it's better to adjust the recipe quantities to match exactly how many servings you need rather than making extra for later.
Trust me on this one – if you make more than you need, you'll definitely end up eating it all anyway! The temptation is just too real with this dish.
If you absolutely must make it ahead, you can prep all the ingredients earlier in the day, then cook everything fresh when you're ready to eat.
This gives you the best of both worlds – convenience and perfect texture!
What To Serve With Your Keto Marry Me Chicken
Even though this dish is rich and satisfying on its own (hello, high protein!), sometimes it's nice to have something to soak up that amazing sauce. Here are my favorite keto-friendly sides to serve with it:
For a traditional pasta-like experience, I love using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Both options are super low in carbs and allow you to twirl up that creamy sauce just like you would with regular pasta.
Cauliflower rice makes a fantastic bed for this chicken – it soaks up the sauce beautifully and adds some extra veggies to your meal.
A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Roasted asparagus or broccoli pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and adds some color to your plate.
Oh, and a glass of dry white wine doesn't hurt either (if that fits into your keto approach)!
Storage & Reheating Your Keto Chicken
If you do have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), you can store this Keto Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce, as it will thicken considerably in the fridge.
Warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat until just heated through – this prevents the chicken from becoming tough.
For freezing, I recommend storing the chicken and sauce separately for best results.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Delicious Variations For Keto Marry Me Chicken
- Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even juicier results (plus thighs are often more keto-friendly with their higher fat content).
- Add some spinach to the sauce right before serving for extra nutrients and color.
- Try adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for an extra layer of flavor.
- For an extra kick of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Mushrooms make a fantastic addition – sauté them with the garlic before making the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Marry Me Chicken
Yes, this Marry Me Chicken recipe is perfectly keto-friendly with only 2.6g net carbs per serving, making it an excellent low-carb option.
This Keto Marry Me Chicken contains just 2.9g total carbohydrates and 2.6g net carbs per serving, fitting well within keto macros.
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container, but freeze the chicken and sauce separately for best results when reheating.
Great keto-friendly sides include cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, sautéed spinach, or a mixed green salad to keep your meal low-carb.
Absolutely! As noted in the recipe, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They'll need about 1 minute longer per side when searing.
Recipes You May Like
- Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken - Another rich and creamy keto-friendly chicken dish that's ready in just 30 minutes!
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage - If you love creamy sauces, try this spicy cajun version with shrimp and sausage (just swap the pasta for zoodles to keep it keto).
- One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Another one-pan wonder that can be easily adapted for keto by using zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Conclusion
This Keto Marry Me Chicken is one of those magical recipes that makes you feel like you're not missing out on anything while following a keto diet.
The rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese creates such a depth of flavor that you'll forget you're eating healthy!
I love making this on busy weeknights when I want something that feels special but doesn't take hours in the kitchen.
The fact that it's made in one pan is just an added bonus that makes cleanup a breeze.
Give this recipe a try the next time you're craving something indulgent but need to stay keto-friendly.
And if someone proposes after tasting it, well... don't say I didn't warn you!
Don't forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later, and if you make it, I'd love to hear how it turned out in the comments below!
Keto Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds skinless and boneless chicken breasts about 3 breasts, or thighs or tenderloins (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon tomato extract
- 1 oz sun-dried tomatoes finely sliced
- 4 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
Instructions
- If using whole chicken breasts, first slice them into cutlets – cut off the tenders if present, then slice breasts horizontally starting from the thickest end to obtain two thinner fillets (these will cook faster). Rub all chicken pieces with salt and cayenne pepper.
- Set a large skillet on high heat. Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust develops. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to pan. Bring heat down to medium-low, and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Add red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
- After a few more seconds, when the garlic and spices release the aroma, add the chicken broth. Using a wooden spoon or metal whisk, deglaze the pan to incorporate the stuck caramelized bits into the sauce.
- Add the heavy cream, tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently until it starts simmering, and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens a little.
- Add the Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Stir until the Parmesan is fully dissolved.
- Carefully return the chicken pieces back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken or turn pieces around to coat them in sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is warmed up.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
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