There's something magical about a bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup that warms both the heart and soul. This velvety, creamy soup combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs in a broth so flavorful, it’s impossible to resist. It's no wonder people say this recipe is love at first bite!
I first made this soup on a cold winter night when I wanted something comforting yet indulgent. What began as a spur-of-the-moment creation has become one of our family’s most requested dishes, especially on cozy nights in.
Let’s dive into the irresistible world of this dish and see why it’s destined to be your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prepare to be swept off your feet by this delicious, heartwarming soup. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience that brings joy with every spoonful.
First, this soup is incredibly easy to make. From start to finish, it takes just 30 minutes to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Next, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of savory chicken, creamy broth, and the tangy brightness of sun-dried tomatoes is a match made in culinary heaven. Add in garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of Italian seasoning, and you have a bowl full of love.
This soup is also versatile. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or alongside crusty bread for dipping, it fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions.
Finally, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean up. For busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a lifesaver.
Ready to cook up some magic? Let’s talk ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to this soup’s success lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish's rich, complex flavors.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. Chicken breasts stay tender and shred beautifully, while thighs add a richer flavor.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These little gems add tangy sweetness and a burst of umami. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Drain them lightly before adding them to the soup.
- Chicken Broth: A high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth is essential for a flavorful base. You can even use homemade broth if you have it on hand for an extra layer of richness.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture, heavy cream is the star. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half works too, but the soup won’t be quite as decadent.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs ties everything together. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
No special equipment is needed—just a trusty pot, a ladle, and your appetite!
How to Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creating this swoon-worthy soup is easier than you might think. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few steps:
- Cook the Chicken: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, followed by diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Let the flavors meld for about 5 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: While the broth simmers, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes until it’s silky and slightly thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
This soup is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for when you’re craving something comforting and indulgent.
Storage Options
This soup is just as delightful the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
- Freeze: Marry Me Chicken Soup freezes beautifully! Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened in the fridge or freezer.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-Carb: Skip the bread and add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
- Cheese Swap: If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are excellent alternatives.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some baby spinach, kale, or diced carrots for extra nutrients and color.
Whether you're cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to impress. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and comforting warmth, this recipe truly lives up to its name. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table—after all, it’s hard to say no to a dish this irresistible!
Happy cooking! ❤️
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a creamy, comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasions, this dish is bound to win hearts with every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional, like orzo or bowtie)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in shredded chicken, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cooked pasta if desired. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy
Notes
- For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken or bone broth.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy kick.
- To make it low-carb, skip the pasta and use zucchini noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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