If you are looking for a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes with a hint of spice and fresh spinach to create a flavor-packed experience that will have you craving seconds. It’s the kind of soup that feels special and comforting all at once, making it the perfect recipe to impress family or cozy up with on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying soup. Each component adds to the dish’s depth, from the savory chicken broth to the creamy finish and bright greens that add color and freshness.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a fruity aroma and a silky texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that shreds easily and absorbs all the lovely flavors.
- Small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a bit of bite when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the palate.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luscious, velvety texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offer tangy sweetness and a rich, chewy contrast.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat enhancer, customizable to your spice preference.
- Dried basil: Herbal warmth that adds depth and complexity.
- Dried oregano: Another aromatic herb that complements the Italian-inspired flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the soup.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: A pop of green freshness and nutrients to brighten every spoonful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness and umami perfection.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly cooked and have a nice golden crust. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Set the Chicken Aside
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. This gives you time to build the soup layers of flavor and ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant aroma that signals the start of something delicious.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pot and lift any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. This step enhances the soup’s flavor right from the start.
Step 5: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes if you want a little kick, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the broth simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry all these robust flavors.
Step 6: Shred and Return the Chicken
Shred the cooled chicken using two forks or your hands, then return it to the pot. This allows the chicken to soak up the broth’s flavors while contributing its own savory goodness.
Step 7: Enrich and Freshen the Soup
Stir in the heavy cream for a silky texture, and add the chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, bringing a lovely green vibrancy to the soup.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and blends perfectly, rounding out the soup’s creamy, savory profile. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this final touch makes the soup absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese or some fresh basil leaves on top. These simple garnishes add a burst of flavor and visual appeal, making each bowl feel elegant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic knots for dipping. A light side salad with bright citrus dressing also complements the creamy soup beautifully and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation that doubles as edible dishware. You can also layer it in clear mugs to show off the colorful ingredients or pair it with a sprinkle of chili oil for a spicy hint on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze before adding the heavy cream and spinach to maintain texture. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the cream and spinach fresh for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy, but you may want to adjust cooking time slightly. They shred just as well and make a tasty alternative in this soup.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a mild spice, but you can leave them out for a completely mild version or add more for extra heat, tailoring the soup to your taste.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter soup, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Just expect a slightly thinner texture but still deliciously creamy.
How long does the soup take to make?
The total time is roughly 35 minutes, including 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh diced tomatoes for a different but still delightful flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s incredibly comforting yet exciting to the palate, I can’t recommend the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe enough. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of gourmet warmth into your home kitchen with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful broth with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, finished with Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove and Cool Chicken: Take the chicken out of the pot and set aside to cool, which makes it easier to shred later.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened, absorbing the chicken’s flavors.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Soup Base: Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen by cooking for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Shred Chicken: While the soup simmers, shred the cooled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
- Return Chicken to Soup: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the simmering soup base, gently stirring to integrate the chicken throughout.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh spinach. Cook the soup until the spinach wilts, which usually takes 2-3 minutes, adding creaminess and freshness to the soup.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Mix the grated Parmesan cheese into the soup, allowing it to melt and thicken the broth slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To reduce cooking time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shredded instead of cooking raw chicken breasts.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream.
