Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its creamy base, savory chicken, and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
There’s a reason this dish is called “Marry Me Chicken Soup”—its irresistible flavors might just make someone propose!
This creamy, comforting soup is a spin-off of the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe, transformed into a hearty, soul-warming bowl perfect for chilly evenings.
With tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy broth that will make you swoon, this soup is an instant classic.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The velvety broth is infused with savory flavors, making every spoonful feel indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- One-Pot Wonder: All the ingredients are cooked in a single pot, minimizing cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy and flavorful broth paired with tender chicken.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it great for meal prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the pot, seasoning it with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
3. Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook and the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Creaminess
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and milk, mixing well to create a creamy base. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into the soup, creating a rich and velvety texture.
5. Add the Flavor Boosters
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, letting the spinach wilt into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth as a base. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein and texture.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly take.
- Seafood Twist: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired version of this soup.
- Spicier Flavor: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and add it to the soup during the simmering stage to save time.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes for spinach. They add a slightly different texture and flavor while maintaining the soup’s nutritious qualities.
How to Serve
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over a scoop of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced or shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Add-Ins:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese grated
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot; sauté onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, and parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; let spinach wilt.
- Serve hot with basil and extra parmesan, alongside crusty bread.
