Short Description:
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and a creamy base of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this soup is as indulgent as it is satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, leaving everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a twist on the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, delivering all the comforting flavors of the chicken dish in soup form. The creamy broth, seasoned with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, gives it a rich, savory flavor that’s balanced perfectly with the tender chicken and creamy texture. It’s a cozy, hearty soup that’s great for cooler days or when you need something to warm you up. Plus, it’s simple to make, filling, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds (or the recipe)!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and half of the dried basil and thyme. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and bring to a simmer.

4. Season the Soup: Add the Parmesan cheese, remaining basil and thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add the Chicken Back In: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the soup’s richness.

6. Finish with Lemon: If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the soup.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Use Different Protein: You can swap the chicken for turkey or use rotisserie chicken to save time. For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or tofu as a protein substitute.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or another dairy-free cream substitute and skip the Parmesan to make this soup dairy-free.

• Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots to make the soup heartier. You can also add frozen peas or corn for extra texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat to balance out the richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the soup.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano, Gruyère, or another hard cheese as a substitute for Parmesan, though the flavor will change slightly.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

4. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they sit, so it’s a great make-ahead option!

6. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to give the soup some heat.

7. Can I use a different cream substitute?

Yes, you can use light cream, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk such as coconut milk or cashew cream to reduce the calorie count or make it dairy-free.

8. How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until thickened.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Adding spinach, kale, carrots, or bell peppers would be a great way to increase the vegetable content of this soup while adding more flavor and nutrients.

10. Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?

Yes, you can add cooked pasta, rice, or even quinoa to make the soup even more filling. Just make sure to add them at the end of the cooking process so they don’t get too soft.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want something hearty yet easy to make. The rich broth, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes come together to create a soup that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this soup will leave everyone asking for the recipe! Enjoy it with a warm piece of crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.