Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Inspired by the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this soup takes all the rich, irresistible flavors of the original dish and turns them into a comforting bowl of goodness. With tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices, this soup is bound to win over your taste buds and might even get a proposal! Whether served with a side of crusty bread or over a bowl of pasta, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Flavorful Base

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings creates a flavorful base that’s hearty and satisfying.

2. Creamy Texture

The addition of heavy cream gives the soup a luscious, creamy texture, making each spoonful indulgent and comforting.

3. Tender Chicken

The chicken in this soup is perfectly cooked, making it tender and juicy, adding protein to keep you full and satisfied.

4. Easy to Make

Despite its luxurious taste, this soup comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

5. Perfect for All Occasions

Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, family gathering, or just enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is versatile enough to impress anyone.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dried)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to make the soup even heartier.
• Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like your soup with some heat.
• Creamy Chicken and Bacon Soup: For an extra indulgent version, add crispy bacon bits to the soup for a smoky flavor.
• Low-carb Version: Skip the pasta or use zucchini noodles to keep the soup low-carb while still enjoying all the delicious flavors.
• Chicken and Rice: Add cooked rice or orzo for a more filling soup that can be a complete meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Add the chicken broth, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back In

Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is tender and fully heated through.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a more filling meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are more tender and juicy. Choose whichever you prefer, but thighs will make the soup even more tender.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: If you’re using dried sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the soup. If using oil-packed, drain the oil before chopping.
• Make It Even Creamier: For an ultra-creamy soup, you can add a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or thyme on hand, consider adding a few sprigs for extra flavor.
• Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can add it toward the end of the cooking process to heat it through.

How to Serve

Marry Me Chicken Soup can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to dip into the creamy soup.
• Over Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over cooked pasta like ziti, penne, or spaghetti.
• As a Standalone Dish: This soup is rich enough to be enjoyed on its own, but adding a side salad or roasted vegetables can complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to thin it out if necessary.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup. You may want to thaw it in advance for quicker cooking.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

3. Can I use a different kind of cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or a non-dairy alternative if you prefer.

4. Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, store-bought chicken broth works just fine. If you want a richer flavor, opt for low-sodium or homemade broth.

5. Can I make this soup without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or even skip them entirely, though the soup will lose some of its depth of flavor.

6. Can I add pasta to this soup?

Absolutely! Add cooked pasta, such as small shells, orzo, or rotini, for a heartier soup.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the soup even more nutritious.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and avoid adding pasta or use gluten-free pasta.

9. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can add pre-cooked chicken toward the end of cooking to heat it through without needing to cook it from scratch.

10. How spicy is this soup?

The soup is not inherently spicy, but you can increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy, and rich dish that combines the flavors of the beloved Marry Me Chicken into a hearty soup form. With its savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy broth, this soup is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether served as a stand-alone meal or paired with pasta or bread, it’s a perfect recipe for cozy nights, family gatherings, or special occasions.

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