Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on the popular “Marry Me Chicken” dish, transformed into a rich and flavorful soup. This soup combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious creamy base, making it a comforting and romantic meal. The name comes from its irresistible flavor—so delicious it might inspire someone to propose after just one spoonful! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare a warm, creamy soup that’s hearty enough for a cozy dinner but refined enough for a special occasion.

To create this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll follow a few simple steps. The preparation time is minimal, and most of the magic happens as the soup simmers, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Start by preparing the chicken. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. Thighs will add a bit more richness, while breasts offer a leaner option. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about five to six minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Next, pour in the chicken broth or stock, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the soup. Bring the broth to a simmer.

Once the broth is simmering, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy broth perfectly. Let the soup simmer for about ten minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

While the soup is simmering, you can prepare the cream base. In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely. The Parmesan will add a salty, nutty depth to the soup, while the heavy cream creates that velvety smooth texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Once the cream and Parmesan are well combined, slowly stir the mixture into the soup pot. Be sure to stir constantly to ensure the cream doesn’t curdle. You’ll notice the soup beginning to take on a rich, creamy consistency at this point.

After adding the cream, return the shredded or chopped chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for another five minutes to let the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors.

For a final touch of freshness, stir in a handful of baby spinach. The spinach will wilt down in the hot broth, adding a pop of color and extra nutrients to the soup. If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the soup reaches your desired thickness.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a stronger herby flavor, you can add more fresh basil or thyme at this point. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top and a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the creamy broth and make each bite even more indulgent.

Flavor and Texture

The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a soup that is both hearty and luxurious. The herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and basil, add a fragrant, earthy element that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. The spinach provides a touch of bitterness to cut through the creamy flavors, while the Parmesan cheese adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes are key in this recipe, bringing a concentrated tomato flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream and chicken. Their slightly chewy texture contrasts with the smoothness of the broth, making each bite interesting and delicious.

The texture of the soup is rich and velvety, thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can use the flour or cornstarch slurry to give the soup a heartier feel. However, it’s perfectly fine to leave it as is for a more delicate, silky finish.

Customizing the Soup

There are endless ways to customize this soup to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

• If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Keep in mind that this will result in a slightly less creamy soup.
• For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. The flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
• You can swap out the chicken for other proteins, such as turkey or even shrimp, for a unique twist on the recipe.
• Vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added for extra texture and flavor.
• If you’re a fan of spice, add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a fiery kick.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• A warm loaf of garlic bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• For a more substantial meal, you can serve the soup over a bed of cooked rice or pasta. The starch will soak up the creamy sauce and create a satisfying, filling dish.

If you’re planning a romantic dinner, pair the soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complements the creamy and tangy flavors of the soup. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime would also be refreshing.

Storing and Reheating

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to three months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly due to the cream. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickened too much while being stored.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t skip the fresh herbs. They add a brightness and depth of flavor that really elevates the dish.
• Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
• If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, be sure to drain them well before chopping to avoid adding too much extra oil to the soup.
• For an extra boost of flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Its combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes makes it a memorable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a romantic dinner or just looking for a comforting bowl of soup to warm up with, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, this soup truly lives up to its name. After just one taste, you might find yourself falling in love with it—and perhaps even proposing that it becomes a regular part of your meal rotation. Enjoy!

Yield: 4-6

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on the popular "Marry Me Chicken" dish, transformed into a rich and flavorful soup. This soup combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious creamy base, making it a comforting and romantic meal. The name comes from its irresistible flavor—so delicious it might inspire someone to propose after just one spoonful! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare a warm, creamy soup that’s hearty enough for a cozy dinner but refined enough for a special occasion.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make the Soup Base:

• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Add the Cream and Parmesan:

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy.

5. Add Chicken and Spinach:

• Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the baby spinach. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld together.

6. Season and Serve:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

• Thicker Soup: For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup before adding the cream.
• Vegetable Options: You can add mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.