MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP – easymealstoprep

I remember the first time I made something similar to this dish. It wasn’t quite soup, but a creamy chicken pasta dish that my now-husband declared he would marry me over. Inspired by those flavors, I’ve perfected the ultimate comfort food: a soup that’s so rich, creamy, and flavorful, it’s practically guaranteed to elicit the same response! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe you’ll ever make!

What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Soup So Special?

Okay, let’s be honest – the name “Marry Me Chicken” is a little silly, but it’s undeniably catchy! And more importantly, it speaks to the incredible power of this dish to win hearts and stomachs. This isn’t your average chicken soup; it’s a creamy, dreamy concoction packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It’s basically a warm hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for it. If you’re looking for something similar but in a pasta form, you will definitely enjoy the CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN recipe!

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe takes all the best elements of the original dish and transforms them into a comforting, soul-satisfying soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or any time you need a little pick-me-up. It’s ridiculously easy to make, too, which is always a bonus in my book!

The Secret to the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

The key to making this soup truly unforgettable is using high-quality ingredients and layering the flavors. Don’t skimp on the sun-dried tomatoes – they’re essential for that signature sweet and tangy flavor. And fresh herbs, like basil and oregano, will elevate the soup to another level.

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we begin:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base of our soup.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The secret weapon! Make sure they’re oil-packed for the best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth for a richer taste.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup ultra-creamy and decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make the soup easier to eat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma should be inviting and make you feel hungry already!
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pot; you may need to do this in batches. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; we’re just looking for a nice sear to lock in the flavor.
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes (including the oil from the jar!) and cook for another minute. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the entire soup with its unique flavor.
5. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The broth should be gently bubbling, and the chicken should be tender enough to shred with a fork.
7. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
8. Season and Spice: Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
9. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Success Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: The oil that the sun-dried tomatoes are packed in is full of flavor, so don’t discard it! Add it to the pot along with the tomatoes for an extra boost of deliciousness.
• Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: While dried herbs are fine for cooking, fresh herbs will really elevate the flavor of the soup when used as a garnish. Basil and parsley are both excellent choices.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking: If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes. Or, if you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it Ahead: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Instructions: Let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate upon thawing, so you may need to stir in a little extra cream or broth to restore the original consistency. Alternatively, you may enjoy White Chicken Chili, it is a great option for freezing and enjoying later!

Variations and Additions

The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and preferences.

Add Vegetables

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the soup. Spinach, kale, mushrooms, and bell peppers all work well. Add them to the pot along with the chicken broth and simmer until tender. A bit of fresh parsley can add a lot of fresh flavor as well! You can also make it with pasta just like the CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP recipe

Make it Spicy

If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Add Pasta or Rice

To make the soup even heartier, add cooked pasta or rice. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo work best. Add them to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy. The CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP recipe is another great way to get your soup and doughy goodness at the same time!

Use Different Cheese

Parmesan cheese is classic, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or asiago. Add the cheese to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking and stir until melted.

Make it in the Crock-Pot!

If you want to set it and forget it, this recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics in a skillet, then transfer everything to the crock-pot along with the broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a crock-pot version with a bit more kick, try the CAJUN CHICKEN SOUP HEAVEN recipe. You can also add more vegetables like celery and carrots. The Lasagna Soup recipe is another great crock-pot recipe!

Serving Suggestions

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Perfect for dunking in the soup.
• Caesar Salad: A light and refreshing salad that complements the richness of the soup.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Why This Soup Works

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe works because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy broth is rich and comforting, the chicken is tender and flavorful, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity. The herbs and spices provide a warm, aromatic base, and the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory depth. It’s a truly magical combination that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

A Soup for All Occasions

Whether you’re trying to impress a date, comfort a loved one, or simply treat yourself to a delicious meal, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. So go ahead, give it a try and see if it lives up to its name!

And honestly? Even if it doesn’t lead to a proposal, I promise you’ll have a delicious, heartwarming meal that you’ll want to make again and again.