Marry Me Chicken Sliders

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery slider filled with juicy, sun-dried tomato cream-soaked chicken that’s so irresistibly delicious it might just prompt a marriage proposal. That’s exactly what these Marry Me Chicken Sliders deliver – a miniature version of the famous dish that’s taken the internet by storm. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for an impressive appetizer, these Marry Me Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to steal the show. You’ll learn how to create these mouthwatering mini sandwiches that balance rich, savory flavors with the perfect slider-sized portion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Marry Me Chicken Sliders will quickly become your go-to recipe for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The magic lies in the contrast between the soft, slightly sweet slider buns and the rich, creamy chicken filling that features a delightful tang from the sun-dried tomatoes. What makes these sliders extraordinary is how they transform the beloved viral chicken dish into a convenient handheld format without sacrificing any of the original’s decadence.

You’ll appreciate how these sliders can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for entertaining. The marriage of flavors – creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the bright pop of basil – creates a crave-worthy bite that feels indulgent yet accessible. Even better, these sliders achieve the perfect texture balance with their pillowy buns, juicy chicken, and the occasional satisfying crunch from the cheese that gets perfectly golden on top. They’re sophisticated enough for a dinner party but approachable enough for a weeknight family meal.

Ingredients

For the Marry Me Chicken Sliders, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (45g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 12 slider buns (preferably brioche or Hawaiian sweet rolls)
• 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter mixed with ½ teaspoon garlic powder for brushing

The sun-dried tomatoes add intense umami flavor and are essential for the authentic Marry Me Chicken experience. For the sliders, brioche buns provide the perfect buttery base, but Hawaiian sweet rolls offer a delightful sweet-savory contrast that many prefer.

Pro Tips

Perfect Your Chicken Cooking Technique
For the juiciest chicken in your Marry Me Chicken Sliders, avoid overcooking the chicken breasts. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then remove them from heat immediately. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding or chopping to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This prevents the dry texture that can ruin even the most flavorful slider.

Master the Cream Sauce Consistency
The signature sauce should be rich and velvety, not too thin or too thick. After adding the cream and broth, allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it reduces slightly and coats the back of a spoon. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth; if too thin, simmer a bit longer. This balanced consistency ensures your Marry Me Chicken Sliders will be moist but not soggy.

Assembly and Baking Strategy
When assembling your sliders, keep the rolls connected rather than separating them individually. This not only speeds up assembly but helps the sliders maintain their shape and moisture during baking. Apply a thin layer of the sauce to both the top and bottom buns before adding the chicken mixture to create a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess. For the perfect finish, brush the tops with garlic butter and bake until just golden—about 15 minutes—to avoid drying out the already-cooked chicken inside.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest while preparing the sauce.

Step 2
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – these bits add incredible flavor to your Marry Me Chicken Sliders.

Step 3
Add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil.

Step 4
While the sauce simmers, shred or chop the cooked chicken into small pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce for about 2 minutes.

Step 5
Prepare your slider buns by slicing them in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a slab. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the sauce from the skillet onto the bottom buns, then evenly distribute the Marry Me Chicken mixture on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and place the top buns on.

Step 6
Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the sliders set up slightly. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Variations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Sliders
For heat lovers, transform these Marry Me Chicken Sliders into a spicier version by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce. You can also incorporate a tablespoon of hot honey drizzled over the chicken mixture before adding the cheese for a sweet-heat combination that adds another dimension to the classic recipe.

Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Sliders
Give your sliders a Mediterranean twist by adding ¼ cup of chopped kalamata olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, and substituting feta cheese for the Parmesan. The briny elements pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh oregano instead of basil completes this Mediterranean variation of Marry Me Chicken Sliders.

Lighter Version
For a lighter take, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan to ¼ cup. Use part-skim mozzarella and incorporate 1 cup of fresh baby spinach into the sauce during the last minute of simmering for added nutrition and color. These adjustments maintain the essence of Marry Me Chicken Sliders while reducing calories and fat.

Storage and Serving

These Marry Me Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the buns are crisp on top, the filling is hot, and the cheese is perfectly melted. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, removing the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the tops.

For make-ahead preparation, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the sliders just before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the filling is cold.

Serve these sliders with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich filling. For a more substantial meal, pair with sweet potato fries or a light cucumber and tomato salad. For an elegant presentation, serve individual Marry Me Chicken Sliders on small plates with a sprig of fresh basil and a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for these Marry Me Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred about 4 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the sauce, allowing it to warm through before assembling the sliders.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The dish earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it to your partner might prompt a marriage proposal! The original viral recipe features chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s irresistibly good.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and assemble the sliders just before baking. You can also fully assemble them and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Are Marry Me Chicken Sliders spicy?
These sliders have a mild heat from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount according to your preference or omit them entirely for a non-spicy version.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor to your Marry Me Chicken Sliders.

Conclusion

These Marry Me Chicken Sliders are comfort food at its finest — bite-sized bundles of creamy, savory goodness that transform the viral sensation into perfect party fare. They’re the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for game day gatherings, casual entertaining, or family dinners that feel just a little bit special. The combination of tender chicken in that signature sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all tucked into soft, buttery slider buns, creates an irresistible package that’s sure to earn rave reviews. So whether you’re trying to impress someone special or simply craving something delicious, these sliders deliver that “say yes” moment with every bite.

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