ReelsMealsStart cooking

Marry Me Chicken

Recipe by God of food on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 15 to cook. A buttery chicken dish brightened with fresh lemon juice and garlic, finished with thyme for an aromatic, romantic dinner. The simple pan‑seared chicken stays juicy while the quick sauce adds a luxurious tang.

See all 3 versions of marry me chicken, compared

Free. No account needed.

Marry Me Chicken by God of food, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat (about 375°F/375°F).

  3. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and sear without moving for 3–4 minutes, until a golden crust forms.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The oil shimmers and the chicken develops a golden crust. Leave the chicken undisturbed so it can brown.

  4. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes; the interior should still be pink.

  5. Add the minced garlic around the chicken, stirring quickly, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it brown.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The garlic smells fragrant but has not browned. Stir it briefly around the chicken.

  6. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the melted butter, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to build flavor.

  7. Tuck the sprig of fresh thyme into the sauce, reduce the heat to medium (around 325°F/320°F), cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (165°F).

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken is cooked through and the sauce is gently bubbling. Keep the skillet covered while it simmers.

  8. Remove the lid, discard the thyme sprig, and increase the heat to medium‑high for 1–2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly, stirring occasionally.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken. Stir occasionally as it reduces.

  9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

  10. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon the buttery lemon‑garlic sauce over each piece, and serve immediately with your favorite side.

Tips while you cook

Dry the chicken before seasoning
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before adding salt and pepper.
Watch the garlic closely
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring quickly.
Cover while simmering
After adding lemon juice, butter, and thyme, cover the skillet and simmer for 8–10 minutes to finish cooking the chicken.
Thicken sauce at the end
Remove the lid and increase heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly thicken the sauce before serving.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

Made it?

Tap a star to rate it. Ratings help other cooks decide what to make next.

Rate this recipe

Watch God of food make it. The video loads from Instagram when you tap.

God of food made this.

The recipe comes from God of food’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you God of food and want this changed? Email [email protected].

Share or print it

Credit or embed it on your own site

Marry me chicken, 3 ways

Three creators posted their own. Most use olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano and tomato.

  1. James45 min14 ingr.Only this one uses white onion, orzo and sun- tomatoes
  2. God of food25 min8 ingr.Only this one uses lemon, butter and thyme
  3. nickigeorgiou2 hr 40 min14 ingr.Only this one uses flour, garlic granules and boiling water
Compare all 3 side by side

More dinner recipes