Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

There's something magical about a bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup that turns ordinary evenings into unforgettable moments. This incredible soup combines the beloved flavors of the famous marry me chicken dish with the cozy comfort of a warm, hearty soup. The creamy base, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that's guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup truly special is how it brings together restaurant-quality taste with simple home cooking. In just 30 minutes, you can create a soup so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal; or at the very least, earn you the title of kitchen superstar in your household.

Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out

The Marry Me Chicken Soup has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. This recipe transforms the popular marry me chicken into a soul-warming soup that's perfect for chilly evenings, romantic dinners, or anytime you want to show someone you care. Unlike traditional chicken soups that can be bland or ordinary, this version is packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors that make every spoonful memorable.

What sets this Marry Me Chicken Soup apart from other chicken soup recipes is its rich, creamy base infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The combination creates a depth of flavor that's both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you're cooking for a special someone or treating your family to something extraordinary, this soup delivers on both taste and presentation, making it the perfect addition to your recipe collection.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• More Irresistible Recipes to Try
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh spinach
• Fresh basil for garnish

Optional Add-ins

• Cooked pasta or gnocchi
• White wine
• Cream cheese for extra richness

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

1. Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat
3. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through
4. Remove chicken and set aside to cool, then shred or cut into bite-sized pieces

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes
4. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine

Step 3: Create the Creamy Soup Base

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste
5. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently
2. Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup requires attention to a few key details that can make all the difference in your final result.

Temperature Control: Keep your heat at medium-low once you add the cream to prevent curdling. High heat can cause the dairy to separate, ruining the smooth texture you're after.

Chicken Preparation: Don't skip the browning step for your chicken. This creates a beautiful golden color and adds depth of flavor that can't be achieved by simply boiling the meat.

Sun-Dried Tomato Tips:

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for better flavor
• Reserve some of the oil to add extra richness
• Chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the soup

Cheese Integration: Add Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring constantly. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.

Fresh Herb Timing: Add delicate herbs like basil at the very end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This versatile Marry Me Chicken Soup can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences while maintaining its incredible flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Version:

• Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese
• The result is still creamy and satisfying

Low-Carb Adaptations:

• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower
• Skip the pasta but include more spinach for bulk
• Use cream cheese for additional richness without carbs

Protein Variations:

• Swap chicken for turkey or even shrimp
• Add white beans for a vegetarian protein boost
• Try rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight version

Vegetable Additions:

• Mushrooms add earthiness and umami
• Bell peppers provide color and crunch
• Artichoke hearts bring Mediterranean flair

Equipment Recommendations

The right equipment can make preparing this Marry Me Chicken Soup much easier and more enjoyable.

• Large DutchOven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing hot spots that could scorch the cream
• Sharp Chef's Knife: For efficiently chopping vegetables and chicken
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot
• Ladle: Makes serving neat and easy
• Microplane Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Cutting Board: A large board gives you plenty of workspace

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage ensures your Marry Me Chicken Soup stays delicious for days after making it.

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together.

Freezing Guidelines:

• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
• Leave space at the top for expansion
• Note that cream-based soups may separate slightly when thawed

Reheating Instructions:

• Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen
• Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently
• Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore consistency
• Never boil when reheating to prevent curdling

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the base without cream and chicken, then add these components when ready to serve for the freshest taste.

FAQ

More Irresistible Recipes to Try

Now that you've mastered this incredible Marry Me Chicken Soup, you'll want to explore other recipes that deliver the same wow factor. These complementary dishes will help you create memorable meals that showcase your culinary skills.

The Healthy Marry Me Chicken Recipe offers all the flavors you love from this soup in a lighter, main-dish format that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Similarly, the Marry Me Tortellini Recipe takes those same irresistible flavors and transforms them into a pasta dish that's guaranteed to impress. Both recipes share the sun-dried tomato and creamy Parmesan base that makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so special, giving you a complete repertoire of dishes that will keep your dinner table exciting and your family asking for more.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe: