Imagine a soup so delicious, so creamy, and so comforting that it could spark a marriage proposal. Yes, that’s exactly what we’re talking about with this amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup! This recipe is a delightful twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken dish, transformed into a warm and hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing loved ones. If you’re ready to win hearts, keep reading!
Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken Soup?
The story behind Marry Me Chicken Soup is charming. The original dish, Marry Me Chicken, gained its name because it’s so good that it could make someone pop the question. I mean, who wouldn’t want to commit to someone who cooks this kind of magic? Turning it into a soup just made sense—it’s creamy, full of flavor, and feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl. For me, this recipe is special because it reminds me of chilly evenings spent with family, sharing laughter and good food. Plus, it’s easy enough to throw together after a long day, but fancy enough for date night!
Ingredients: Choosing the Best for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Let’s talk ingredients for a moment. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs are juicier, but breasts shred perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re pressed for time.
- Chicken Broth: Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works just fine. Opt for low-sodium versions so you can control the seasoning.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess comes in. If you’re avoiding dairy, canned coconut milk is a surprisingly good substitute.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add tang and a pop of color. Look for oil-packed ones for better flavor. Dried versions can be rehydrated in warm water if needed.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a must. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch. Don’t skimp here!
- Herbs: Basil and thyme are the stars. Dried versions work, but fresh herbs bring brightness.
- Pasta or Rice (Optional): If you want to make this soup extra hearty, add some cooked pasta or rice. Egg noodles are fantastic!
Pro tip: If you’re planning ahead, you can prep most ingredients beforehand. Chop the garlic, shred the chicken, and measure out your spices to make cooking seamless.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe, but a few key tools will help:
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking and prevents scorching.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring creamy soups without scratching your pot.
- Ladle: Makes serving much easier.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any heavy-bottomed pot will do. For shredding chicken, a hand mixer can save time—yes, really!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Ingredients: Chop your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set everything aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In your soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and shred once cool enough to handle.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant (around 30 seconds). Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Add Broth: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Simmer: Return shredded chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season & Finish: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Optional: Toss in cooked pasta or rice at the end for an extra hearty version. If your soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are some tips to nail this recipe every time:
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds flavor to the broth, so take your time.
- Layer Your Seasoning: Season as you go! Adding salt at different stages helps build flavor.
- Avoid Boiling Cream: Heavy cream can separate if boiled, so keep the heat low after adding it.
- Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, add fresh basil at the end rather than cooking it for long periods.
If your soup turns out too salty, drop a peeled potato into the pot for 15 minutes—it absorbs excess salt like magic!
Variations & Adaptations
This recipe is versatile! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Low-Carb: Skip the pasta and rice. Add diced zucchini or spinach for extra veggies.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Add chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
I’ve made the spicy version for game nights and it’s always a hit!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve this soup hot with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy richness beautifully.
For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—just leave out the cream until reheating to prevent separation. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
This soup is indulgent but packs some nutritional perks:
- Protein: Chicken keeps it hearty and satisfying.
- Calcium: Parmesan cheese contributes to bone health.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta for a keto-friendly version.
Potential allergens include dairy and chicken broth, so make substitutions as needed!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a soup that’s creamy, comforting, and downright unforgettable, Marry Me Chicken Soup is your answer. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a gift to share with others—or to savor all by yourself. I love making this soup on cold evenings and watching my family’s faces light up with every bite.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Did you make any fun variations? Drop a comment below, share it with friends, or pin it for later. This is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it directly to the broth.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, but leave out the cream before freezing. Add it when reheating for the best texture.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh salad make perfect pairings.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether. Ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting, and flavorful soup inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken dish, perfect for cozy nights or impressing loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cooked pasta or rice (e.g., egg noodles)
Instructions
- Chop garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Grate Parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and shred once cool enough to handle.
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant (around 30 seconds). Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional: Add cooked pasta or rice at the end for an extra hearty version. If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether. If the soup turns out too salty, add a peeled potato to absorb excess salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty soup