Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

The internet’s obsession with “Marry Me Chicken” is well-deserved, and now you can enjoy all those flavors in a comforting, hearty soup. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate slow cooker recipe: tender shredded chicken, a creamy, flavorful broth infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This dish is so good it might just prompt a proposal—or at least requests for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking: The crockpot does all the work, letting you focus on other tasks.
2. Rich, Creamy Broth: A blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a luxurious base.
3. Family Favorite: Packed with tender chicken and bold flavors, this soup pleases all ages.
4. Versatile: Easily adaptable for low-carb, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs.
2. Vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

1. Layer the Base: Add the chicken to the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add Aromatics: Scatter the onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
3. Season: Sprinkle the oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the top.

Step 3: Cook

1. Set the Timer:
   • Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
2. Check Liquid Levels:
   • If the soup appears too thick during cooking, add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove Chicken: Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the chicken to a cutting board.
2. Shred: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return to Crockpot: Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

1. Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Thicken the Broth (optional):
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
   • Slowly whisk the slurry into the soup, letting it thicken as it cooks for another 15–20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle: Scoop the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
3. Pair: Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a side salad.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Thighs are more forgiving if overcooked, but breasts work well too.
2. Balance Creaminess: For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
3. Monitor Saltiness: Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes are salty; taste before adding extra salt.
4. Add Veggies: Enhance the soup with spinach, kale, or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Option: Skip the cornstarch and serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles.
2. Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
3. Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
4. Loaded Version: Add diced potatoes or pasta for a heartier soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, add cooked, shredded chicken during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Substitute with diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar flavor.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ensure your crockpot has enough capacity and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”

Legend has it that the original Marry Me Chicken recipe is so delicious that anyone who tastes it might be compelled to propose marriage. This soup version retains all those romantic flavors, but in a cozy, comforting format that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones—or indulging all by yourself!

Conclusion

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors that bring joy to the table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that turns ordinary days into something special.

Yield: 6

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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The internet's obsession with "Marry Me Chicken" is well-deserved, and now you can enjoy all those flavors in a comforting, hearty soup. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate slow cooker recipe: tender shredded chicken, a creamy, flavorful broth infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This dish is so good it might just prompt a proposal—or at least requests for seconds!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup orzo or other small pasta (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Add Ingredients

1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
2. Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

3. Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

4. Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Add Spinach and Pasta (Optional)

1. Stir in the chopped spinach and orzo (if using).
2. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the spinach has wilted.

6. Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

Thickener: If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup during the final 30 minutes of cooking.