There's something truly magical about a bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup simmering on the stove. The savory aroma of tender chicken, rich broth, and fragrant herbs fills the kitchen, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. With creamy textures and hearty flavors, it’s the perfect dish to warm your heart—and maybe win someone else’s too!
I discovered this recipe during a particularly chilly weekend, searching for a way to add a little romance to our dinner table. Now, it’s a go-to for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or any time I want to impress without a ton of effort. Let’s dive into why this soup is about to become your next favorite recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prepare to fall head over heels for this swoon-worthy soup! Not only is it a breeze to make, but it’s packed with flavors that feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
First, the combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and a hint of Parmesan takes classic chicken soup to an entirely new level. It’s comfort food with an elegant twist—ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
This soup is also a time-saver. Using rotisserie chicken or quick-cooking chicken breasts means you can have this on the table in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and homemade fast.
Versatility is another win. Whether you love it with crusty bread, over rice, or even paired with a side salad, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
Finally, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating a dish that feels indulgent but is secretly easy and nutritious.
Ready to make this love-in-a-bowl? Let’s look at what you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s what makes this dish sing:
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are great if you prefer to cook your own. They lend a rich, satisfying flavor to the broth.
- Chicken Broth: Use a high-quality broth or stock for the base of this soup. It’s the foundation of the flavor, so go for something you love.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the soup gets its luxurious creaminess. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the richness of heavy cream makes it truly special.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These add a sweet, tangy burst of flavor that balances the creaminess of the soup beautifully. Look for the ones packed in oil for the best texture and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan takes this soup to the next level with its nutty, salty goodness. It also helps thicken the broth slightly.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh thyme, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes create a robust, aromatic base. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Optional but recommended: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dunking and soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Making this soup is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps to bring this dish to life:
- Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then sauté in a large pot with a drizzle of olive oil until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and shred it with two forks.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and softened. The garlic will release an irresistible aroma that sets the tone for the soup.
- Build the Broth: Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, letting them bloom in the oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add fresh thyme sprigs for an earthy, herby flavor.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, letting it blend seamlessly with the broth. Follow with freshly grated Parmesan, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to coat in the creamy, flavorful broth. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove thyme sprigs before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.
This entire process takes about 40 minutes, making it a surprisingly quick recipe for how rich and layered the flavors are!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This soup stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it again later.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Leave some room at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its velvety texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly customizable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the sundried tomatoes and serve with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or cannellini beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicier Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Pair with gluten-free bread or skip the bread entirely—this soup is hearty enough on its own.
No matter how you tweak it, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to steal the show.
Make this recipe once, and you’ll see why it earns its romantic name. Whether you’re serving it to impress someone special or just treating yourself to a cozy bowl of love, this soup is pure magic in every bite. Happy cooking!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and aromatic herbs for a delicious and comforting dish. Perfect for dinner or a cozy gathering, this hearty soup will make everyone fall in love at first bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, shredded chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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