Say Yes Chicken Salad

Step into a world of vibrant flavors with our Marry Me Chicken Salad, a delightful twist on the internet-famous Marry Me Chicken that promises to win hearts and tantalize taste buds. Imagine tender, succulent shredded chicken, generously mixed with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the rich, savory notes of Parmesan cheese. This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s a creamy, dreamy masterpiece designed to be the star of every potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner.

Inspired by the beloved Italian-American classic, our Marry Me Chicken Salad brings all the irresistible charm of its namesake to a refreshingly cool and versatile dish. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, where the creamy dressing perfectly coats every morsel, creating a harmonious blend that is utterly addictive. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original Marry Me Chicken or discovering this flavor profile for the first time, prepare to be swept off your feet by this incredibly easy-to-make and incredibly delicious salad.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Marry Me Chicken Salad

This Marry Me Chicken Salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. It encapsulates everything you adore about its stove-top counterpart, transformed into a cool, creamy, and convenient salad. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire:

• A Legacy of Flavor: The original Marry Me Chicken recipe has captured the hearts of countless home cooks, spawning popular variations like Whole30 Marry Me Chicken, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and even a Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken. This salad takes the tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and savory Parmesan cream sauce that define the original, adapting them into a vibrant chicken salad that’s bursting with irresistible flavor. It’s a fresh, new way to enjoy those beloved tastes.
• Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to complex cooking steps and piles of dishes. This Marry Me Chicken Salad is arguably the easiest version of Marry Me Chicken we’ve ever developed! There’s no need for a cast-iron skillet, no extra oven time, and honestly, you don’t even have to cook the chicken yourself if you’re short on time. A shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully, cutting your total preparation time down to a mere 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you simply crave something delicious without the fuss.
• Unmatched Versatility for Every Occasion: One of the best qualities of any great chicken salad, and this one in particular, is its incredible versatility. You can serve it in countless ways, ensuring you never get bored. Scoop generous portions into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal, or present it elegantly on a bed of fresh spinach and red leaf lettuce. For a more indulgent treat, sandwich your creamy chicken salad between two halves of a buttery croissant or your favorite artisan bread. It’s also fantastic piled high on crunchy crackers, or even enjoyed straight from the bowl with a spoon! Feel free to get creative – it’s equally delicious as a topping for baked potatoes, stirred into pasta for a quick meal, or as a vibrant side dish at your next barbecue.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This salad has a remarkable ability to vanish quickly at any gathering. Its unique blend of familiar yet sophisticated flavors makes it an instant hit with everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. It’s truly a potluck-perfect dish that guarantees compliments and requests for the recipe.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Salad

Achieving the perfect Marry Me Chicken Salad is simple with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you elevate your salad from great to truly exceptional, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.

• The Magic of Chilling: If time allows, prepare your Marry Me Chicken Salad at least 30 minutes in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. This crucial resting period gives all the ingredients a chance to truly “marry” together, allowing their flavors to deepen and meld. The result is a richer, more intense taste that far surpasses the flavor of a freshly prepared salad. While it’s utterly delicious served right away, a little patience will reward you with an even more spectacular experience.
• Embrace Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, not the dry-packed varieties. Not only do these tomatoes absorb the rich flavors of the oil and any herbs they were packed with, but you can also incorporate some of that flavorful oil directly into your chicken salad. This adds an extra layer of depth and moisture. Additionally, oil-packed tomatoes are already softened, saving you the extra step of rehydrating them before use. Be sure to chop them finely to distribute their intense flavor throughout the salad.
• The Art of Shredding: For the most appealing texture, aim for finely shredded chicken. If you’re cooking your own chicken breasts, using two forks to pull the chicken apart while it’s still warm makes for easy and even shredding. If using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat with your hands or forks. Small, consistent pieces ensure that every spoonful of salad has a harmonious blend of chicken and creamy dressing.
• Balance is Key: When it comes to seasoning, taste as you go! The amount of salt and pepper needed can vary based on the chicken broth used, the saltiness of your Parmesan, and personal preference. Start with the recommended amounts, then add more incrementally until the flavors sing to your palate. The same goes for mayonnaise; if you prefer an even creamier consistency, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon or two.

A Deep Dive into the Ingredients

Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Salad plays a crucial role in creating its iconic flavor profile. Understanding each component helps you appreciate the symphony of tastes and even customize it to your liking.

• Chicken: The foundation of our salad, boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and versatile base. Shredding the chicken ensures it absorbs the creamy dressing and other flavors beautifully. You can poach chicken breasts in low-sodium broth for maximum tenderness, or for ultimate convenience, use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This dynamic duo forms the luscious, creamy dressing. Mayonnaise provides a rich, tangy base, while full-fat sour cream adds a delightful hint of tang and extra creaminess, balancing the richness and preventing the salad from being overly heavy. You can adjust the ratio to your preference or even experiment with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch, though it will alter the classic flavor slightly.
• Shallot: Finely chopped shallots offer a delicate, sweet onion flavor that’s milder than red onion but adds a sophisticated aromatic touch without overpowering the other ingredients. This subtle bite is essential for depth.
• Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These concentrated flavor bombs are a non-negotiable star. Their intense, sweet-tart taste adds a burst of Mediterranean sunshine. Using the oil they’re packed in further infuses the salad with their rich essence, contributing to the overall moistness and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Basil: The vibrant, peppery sweetness of fresh basil is what truly makes this salad sing. It pairs exquisitely with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, providing a fresh, herbaceous lift that brightens the entire dish. Always use fresh for the best results; dried basil won’t offer the same aromatic punch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan delivers a salty, umami-rich kick that ties all the flavors together. Its sharp, nutty notes are a hallmark of Italian-inspired dishes and crucial for the “Marry Me” profile.
• Seasonings: Kosher salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper are the fundamental seasonings that enhance and unify the salad’s flavors. Garlic powder provides a mellow garlic note that complements the other ingredients without being raw or harsh.
• Chicken Broth: A secret ingredient for achieving the perfect creamy consistency. Adding a tablespoon or two of reserved chicken broth (from poaching your chicken) or store-bought broth allows you to control the creaminess, ensuring the salad isn’t too dry and the dressing coats every piece of chicken.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Salad: Creative Ideas

The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Salad lies not just in its incredible taste, but also in its remarkable adaptability. Here are some inspiring ways to serve it, ensuring it’s always a fresh and exciting addition to your table:

• Classic Sandwiches & Croissants: Pile high between slices of toasted sourdough, a fresh baguette, or for an elegant touch, within flaky, buttery croissant halves. This is a timeless way to enjoy chicken salad and showcases its rich, creamy texture perfectly.
• Light & Refreshing Wraps: Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) for a low-carb, crisp wrap. Alternatively, spread it generously into flour tortillas or whole wheat wraps for a more substantial handheld meal.
• Salad Topper: Transform a simple green salad into a hearty and flavorful main course. Serve a scoop of Marry Me Chicken Salad over a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
• Crackers & Dips: Offer it as an appetizer with an assortment of crackers – from buttery Ritz to whole-grain options. It’s also delicious with pita chips, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a fresh and crunchy pairing.
• Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes: For a naturally elegant presentation, halve an avocado and remove the pit, then fill the cavity with a generous scoop of chicken salad. You can also hollow out large, ripe tomatoes and fill them for a colorful and flavorful side dish.
• Pasta Salad Enhancement: Fold this chicken salad into cooked and cooled pasta (like rotini or penne) for a complete and satisfying pasta salad. Add some cherry tomatoes, olives, and extra basil for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Baked Potato Topping: For a comforting and hearty meal, serve a warm baked potato or sweet potato topped with a generous portion of Marry Me Chicken Salad. The creamy salad contrasts beautifully with the fluffy potato.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Marry Me Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prepping and entertaining. Knowing how to store it properly ensures its freshness and deliciousness for days.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
• Make Ahead: This salad is an excellent make-ahead option. Prepare it a day or two in advance for parties or weekly lunches. As mentioned, chilling actually enhances the flavors. Just give it a good stir before serving.
• Freezing: Chicken salad made with mayonnaise or sour cream is generally not recommended for freezing. The dairy-based dressing can separate and become watery or grainy upon thawing, affecting the texture and appeal of the salad. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh from the fridge.

Check Out These Other Irresistible Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
• Pittsburgh Chicken Salad
• Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
• Baked Chicken Tacos
• Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
• Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
• Easy, Crispy Chicken Patties
• Creamy Dijon Chicken
• Chicken Savoy Copycat Recipe
• Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
• Truffle Honey Chicken with Asparagus
• Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Recipe By:
Cheryl Malik

★
★
★
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5 from 1 vote

Marry Me Chicken Salad

Prep
15 minutes

Cook
30 minutes

Total
45 minutes

Savory, rich marry me chicken, turned into a creamy chicken salad that’s great with buttery crackers, served on a bed of lettuce, or made into an incredible chicken salad sandwich.

Cheryl Malik

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8
servings

Equipment

• Wide skillet with lid if cooking chicken
• Tongs if cooking chicken
• Internal meat thermometer if cooking chicken
• Cutting board if cooking chicken
• 2 forks if cooking chicken
• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula
• Plastic wrap or lid for mixing bowl, optional

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 ¼ pounds cooked and shredded chicken
• ▢ 1 32-ounce carton low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock, see Notes
• ▢ ¾ cup mayonnaise plus more to taste
• ▢ ½ cup full-fat sour cream
• ▢ 1 small shallot finely chopped, approximately ¼ cup
• ▢ ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes chopped, oil reserved
• ▢ 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• ▢ ¼ cup grated fresh parmesan
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt more or less to taste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper more or less to taste

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Instructions

To Cook the Chicken (Skip if Using Pre-Cooked Chicken)

• Place 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a wide skillet and place skillet on stovetop over medium-high heat. Pour 1 32-ounce carton low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring chicken breasts are completely covered.
• When the liquid begins to boil, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer chicken in broth for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit.
• Once the internal temperature reaches 160° Fahrenheit, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes, then use 2 forks to shred the chicken into small, manageable pieces. Reserve the chicken broth in the skillet until ready to use.

To Make the Chicken Salad

• Transfer the shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. Add ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup full-fat sour cream, 1 small shallot (finely chopped), ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, ¼ cup grated fresh Parmesan, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir all ingredients together until they are fully combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
• Add the reserved chicken broth to the bowl in 1-tablespoon increments, stirring after each addition to fully incorporate the broth into the salad. Continue adding broth until your desired consistency and creaminess is achieved. This step allows you to customize the richness of your salad.
• Taste the salad and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) and mayonnaise if desired. Serve the prepared chicken salad immediately for a quick meal, or for best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Chicken Broth: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken), you’ll only need approximately 4-8 tablespoons of chicken broth to achieve the desired creaminess. The exact amount depends on how rich and moist you prefer your salad.

Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1serving
Calories: 407cal
Protein: 40g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 129mg
Sodium: 954mg
Potassium: 862mg
Total Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Net Carbs: 3g
Vitamin A: 284IU
Vitamin C: 9mg
Calcium: 63mg
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.