If you’re looking for a soup that combines comfort, elegance, and a little bit of romance in every spoonful, then you absolutely have to try the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. This dish is a beautiful harmony of tender chicken, rich cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, all simmered into a velvety broth that feels like a warm embrace. Every bite is bursting with flavor and texture, making it perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or just whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple on their own, but together, they create a stunning symphony of taste and texture. Each component adds something special: the sun-dried tomatoes give a subtle sweetness and acidity, the Parmesan cheese melts into the cream creating luscious richness, and the herbs sprinkle in that extra layer of warmth you’ll crave with every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for a leaner option; either way, seasoning them well is key.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): These bring lovely tang and a savory depth; including some of the oil amplifies flavor.
- Onion: The foundational flavor, sautéed to sweet translucence to balance the soup.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth—don’t let it burn to keep the flavor mellow and inviting.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): The base that ties everything together, opt for a rich, clean broth.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its luscious creaminess and silky mouthfeel.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the soup for depth and a subtle nutty note.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lends classic Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for that gentle kick, balancing richness beautifully.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Brightens and freshens every spoonful at the end.
- All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux, thickening the soup perfectly.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: Adds color, nutrition, and a touch of earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it generously. This initial dry sear locks in the juices and creates beautiful browning, which is essential for building flavor in your soup. Searing doesn’t cook the chicken all the way through yet, but those crispy golden edges make all the difference.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Lower the heat and add onions to the same pot to soak up all that tasty browned goodness left behind. Cook until soft and translucent. Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes join the party next, adding a lovely fragrant and tangy depth — and including some of the tomato-packed oil ensures maximum flavor punch.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to cook out any raw taste. This step thickens the soup, turning it into a silky comfort food delight. It’s the magic that creates that smooth, creamy texture you’re dreaming of.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Slowly whisk in your chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add your dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer — the savory aroma starting to fill your kitchen here is irresistible.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it into the broth. Let it simmer, covered, over low heat so the chicken cooks gently until it’s tender and shreddable. This slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. This step is so gratifying; the juicy bits of tender chicken will melt into the creamy broth, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
Step 7: Add Cream and Cheese
With the heat still on low, whisk in heavy cream and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan. The soup transforms into a velvety, luxurious concoction that’s rich but balanced. If you want some green goodness, this is the perfect moment to stir in spinach or kale and watch it wilt beautifully.
Step 8: Combine and Warm Through
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together gently. Let it heat through for a final minute or two, and then get ready to ladle out comfort and joy in a bowl.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top brings an herbal brightness that complements the rich creaminess perfectly. A little extra Parmesan cheese never hurts either — it adds that finishing touch of umami that takes this soup over the edge.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or a warm baguette is a natural partner here, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that luscious soup. A crisp side salad can add refreshing crunch, balancing the richness without competing with the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and cozy presentation that will wow guests. Or ladle it over a bed of cooked rice for a fuller meal experience. No matter how you plate it, it’s always a scene-stealer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it just as scrumptious (if not better!) as the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To maintain the creamy texture, freeze before adding the cream and Parmesan cheese, then add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to the perfect velvety consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, though thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving during cooking.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted red peppers as a substitute to add smoky sweetness, but sun-dried tomatoes really bring that signature tangy depth, so it’s worth snagging some if you can.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
Can I add veggies to this soup?
Definitely! Spinach or kale are great choices. You can also toss in mushrooms or carrots early on for extra texture and nutrition.
How spicy is this soup?
Just a gentle hint of heat from red pepper flakes—it’s easy to adjust up or down based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe enough. It’s that irresistible combination of cozy, creamy, and flavorful that makes it a go-to whenever you want to impress or simply indulge. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with every delicious bite.
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a creamy broth enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this soup offers a luxurious texture and robust taste. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley and optionally enhanced with spinach or kale, it’s a dish so delicious it might just inspire a proposal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium, high-quality recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for sauté)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add a splash of olive oil if needed. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with a spoonful of their oil, then cook for another 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed ingredients. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste and create a roux to thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, submerging as much as possible in the liquid. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Finish Soup Base: Increase heat to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using, stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and add some of the oil to the sauté.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts depending on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level or omit for a milder soup.
- Adding fresh spinach or kale boosts the nutritional value and adds color.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
