Best Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy flavors of the Marry Me Chicken Soup, a dish so enticingly delicious it could inspire proposals—or simply win over hearts at the dinner table. This soup combines tender, juicy chicken with a velvety, herb-infused broth, and it’s enriched with flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner for guests, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful dishes.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Soup

1. Creamy Comfort: The rich, creamy broth envelops every bite, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
2. Balanced Flavors: A beautiful combination of savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a complex yet approachable taste.
3. Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flair, this soup is incredibly simple to prepare with everyday ingredients.
4. Versatile: Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or serve as a standalone dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Generously season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown (no need to cook through fully).
   • Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Base

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Melt butter in the same pot, then add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their flavor, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

1. Pour in the Broth:
   • Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
2. Return the Chicken:
   • Place the seared chicken back into the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove and Shred:
   • Take the chicken out of the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the broth.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Goodness

1. Incorporate the Cream:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the broth for a rich, creamy texture.
2. Add Spinach and Herbs:
   • Toss in the fresh spinach and chopped basil. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

1. Adjust Flavors:
   • Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, as desired.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan, croutons, or fresh basil.
2. Pair with Bread:
   • Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping.
3. Light Side Salad:
   • A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

1. Use High-Quality Chicken Broth:
   • The broth is the heart of the soup, so choose a flavorful, low-sodium chicken broth.
2. Fresh Parmesan is Key:
   • Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting; freshly grated cheese is best.
3. Don’t Overcook the Spinach:
   • Add spinach at the end to retain its vibrant color and tender texture.
4. Make Ahead:
   • The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Option:
   • Skip the croutons and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
2. Add More Veggies:
   • Incorporate mushrooms, zucchini, or diced carrots for extra nutrients.
3. Dairy-Free Alternative:
   • Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan (or use a vegan substitute).
4. Make It Spicy:
   • Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

Marry Me Chicken Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a love story in a bowl. The balance of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs makes it an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is bound to impress.

Yield: 6

Best Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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Indulge in the creamy, dreamy flavors of the Marry Me Chicken Soup, a dish so enticingly delicious it could inspire proposals—or simply win over hearts at the dinner table. This soup combines tender, juicy chicken with a velvety, herb-infused broth, and it's enriched with flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner for guests, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful dishes.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Additional Ingredients:
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Garnish:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan

Instructions

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1. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and basil.
2. Place the seasoned chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3. Shred the Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Cream Base:

1. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the soup. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the flavors meld together.

5. Combine and Finish:

1. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.

6. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Tips for Success

• Chicken Options: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker recipe.
• Extra Creaminess: For an even richer flavor, add 2 ounces of cream cheese while stirring in the cream.
• Make It Ahead: The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.