Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
If you crave a bowl of pure comfort that’s brimming with creamy goodness, vibrant colors, and soul-soothing flavors, Marry Me Chicken Soup is the dish your kitchen absolutely needs. This isn’t just another chicken soup—it’s luxuriously creamy, loaded with juicy chicken, bright spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a swirl of Parmesan that’ll have everyone swooning. Whether you’re hoping to impress someone special or just want to treat yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Soup will win hearts at first spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Marry Me Chicken Soup is chosen to amp up its flavor and decadence, turning a familiar classic into something extraordinary. These simple, accessible items transform together into a soup that’s both easy to make and delightfully irresistible.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite cut! Thighs add extra richness, but breasts work just as well for a lighter bite.
- Olive oil: The go-to base for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics, adding gentle silkiness and depth.
- Yellow onion: Diced and softened, onion brings a subtle sweetness that creates a crave-worthy foundation.
- Garlic: Fresh and fragrant, it infuses the soup with its signature warmth—don’t be shy with it!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: This forms the savory backbone of the soup, keeping things just the right amount of salty and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Adds that luscious, creamy texture which is the hallmark of Marry Me Chicken Soup.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): Their tangy, slightly sweet flavor pops in every spoonful—pat them dry for best texture.
- Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic complexity with herbs like oregano and basil, making every bite sing.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch perks up the pot with flavorful heat—adjust to your spice comfort zone.
- Baby spinach: Tossed in right at the end for its vibrant green color and gentle earthiness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, giving the soup a beautifully savory, umami-laden finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for dialing in the perfect seasoning.
- Fresh basil leaves: Scatter these on just before serving for an aromatic, cheerful garnish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, letting each side sear for about 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the chicken gorgeous golden edges and locks in all those natural juices, which is key for Marry Me Chicken Soup. Once cooked through, remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest—you’ll shred or chop it shortly. Searing first builds the flavor foundation for everything to come!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot (with bonus chicken flavor bits in the bottom), toss in your diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, which mellows out its sharpness. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute—just until fragrant—setting the stage for that unmistakable savory aroma that makes this soup so inviting.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a dash or two of red pepper flakes. Give it all a big stir. This is where the soup transforms: tangy sun-dried tomatoes swirl with the creamy broth for a balance of rich and bright. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to marry the flavors—see what I did there?
Step 4: Return the Chicken
Shred or chop that golden chicken and return it to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This step is important because it infuses the creamy broth with savory chicken essence while giving the sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings a chance to shine. It’s the reason every spoonful of Marry Me Chicken Soup tastes layered and full.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Cheese
Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts within seconds, turning a dazzling green, while the cheese melts creamily into the broth and gives the soup incredible body. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Now your soup is ready to be ladled, garnished, and savored.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
Finish each bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup with a flourish of fresh basil leaves. For extra flair, a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or a dash more red pepper flakes turns each serving into a centerpiece dish. This simple garnish transforms the bowl from rustic comfort to “wow, you made this?!” level impressive.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is practically made for this soup—think sourdough, ciabatta, or a warm baguette to soak up every glorious drop. You could also serve Marry Me Chicken Soup alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced, elegant spread. It pairs beautifully with just about any cozy side that can help mop up the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling Marry Me Chicken Soup into shallow pasta bowls for a rustic Italian vibe, or serve in small mugs for an appetizer at dinner parties. Add a swirl of extra cream before topping with basil for restaurant-worthy presentation. Personalize with extra sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of good olive oil—there’s no wrong way to show off your creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and some say the flavors get even richer after a night’s rest. Just be sure to let it cool fully before sealing for best freshness and safety.
Freezing
Marry Me Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture, as the cream and cheese may separate if defrosted too quickly.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to bring the creamy broth back together. If you notice it thickening, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or cream. Microwaving is also an option—just use a lower power setting and cover loosely to keep things smooth.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred about a pound of the cooked chicken and add it after the broth mixture comes to a simmer. It will be just as flavorful, and you can skip the searing and chopping step.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer something lighter, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. Your soup will be a bit less rich, but still delicious. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk—just know the flavor will shift slightly.
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?
Yes! Marry Me Chicken Soup, as written, is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan for hidden ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivities.
Can I add pasta or rice to make the soup heartier?
Definitely. Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work beautifully, or add a scoop of cooked rice near the end of simmering. Just be mindful the soup may thicken as the grains absorb liquid, so have extra broth or cream on hand.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken and sauté onions and garlic first if you have time, then add everything (except spinach, Parmesan, and basil) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, stir in the spinach and cheese until wilted and melted, then finish with basil.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a soup that feels both decadent and super simple—one that turns weeknights into events and makes everyone feel cherished. If you haven’t tried Marry Me Chicken Soup yet, trust me: you deserve a bowl (or two). Give it a spot in your recipe rotation and let it work its cozy, heartwarming magic in your home.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A heartwarming and creamy chicken soup with a touch of romance, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pot, sear chicken until cooked, then shred or chop.
- Prepare the Base: Sauté onion, add garlic, broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the pot, let soup simmer, then add spinach and Parmesan.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.
- You can also substitute kale for spinach, or add cooked orzo for extra heartiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
