There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup on a chilly evening. This dish takes all the rich, creamy flavors of the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe and transforms it into a hearty, soul-warming soup. Imagine tender chicken, silky broth, and aromatic herbs coming together in a bowl of perfection.
I first tried this soup on a whim, hoping to create something cozy for a date night in. The result? My partner said it was so good, it was reason enough to propose! Whether you're cooking for loved ones or just yourself, this recipe will steal hearts. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your rotation.
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for this soup! It's creamy, comforting, and loaded with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
First off, this soup is ridiculously easy to make. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve, making it perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends.
It’s also a great crowd-pleaser. With its indulgent flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup appeals to both adults and picky eaters alike.
What sets this dish apart is its restaurant-quality taste made at home. Rich broth, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes create a flavor profile that feels luxurious without the hefty price tag.
And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with crusty bread for a cozy meal or a light side salad for a balanced dinner. You can even customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of the show here. They stay tender and juicy in the broth, but you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the soup. Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth forms the base of this soup. For an extra boost of flavor, you can use homemade broth or a low-sodium store-bought version and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient creates the luxurious, creamy texture that’s synonymous with Marry Me Chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well too.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the soup, adding a nutty, salty depth. Avoid the pre-shredded kind for the smoothest results.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe, but a large stockpot and a sharp chef’s knife will make preparation a breeze.
How To Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creating this rich and flavorful soup is easier than you think. Follow these steps to bring this cozy dish to life:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, picking up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Build the Base: Add your sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and a touch of Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well, then bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot and let it cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Add it back to the pot along with heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the broth.
- Final Touches: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Total time? Just under 40 minutes for a soup that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage Options
This soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
- Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the soup's texture, as it may thicken slightly during storage.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to tweak for different tastes and dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for cannellini beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers for a nutrient boost. They’ll cook down beautifully in the creamy broth.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether for a hearty chicken and veggie soup.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for some heat.
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. Whether you’re wooing a loved one or treating yourself, this soup will wrap you in comfort and love. So grab your favorite bowl, a spoon, and dig into this irresistible dish!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Indulge in this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, made with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is packed with comforting flavors and hearty ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, if desired.
Notes
You can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens.
Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
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