When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty bowl of chicken soup. But what if we told you there’s a version so delicious, so creamy, and so irresistible that it’s been nicknamed “Marry Me Chicken Soup”? This dish is a spin-off of the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, which is said to be so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal. The soup version takes all the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of the original dish and transforms them into a soul-soothing bowl of goodness.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Marry Me Chicken Soup: its origins, why it’s so special, a step-by-step recipe, tips for customization, nutritional information, and even some fun serving ideas. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, a family gathering, or just yourself, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful chicken soup that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth with a touch of indulgence. It’s inspired by the classic “Marry Me Chicken” dish, which features chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The soup version takes these same ingredients and incorporates them into a comforting, spoonable format.
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could convince someone to propose marriage. While the soup may not guarantee a proposal, it will certainly win over anyone who tastes it!
The Origins of Marry Me Chicken
The original “Marry Me Chicken” recipe gained popularity on social media and food blogs for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s believed to have originated as a variation of Tuscan chicken, a dish that features chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The name “Marry Me Chicken” was coined as a playful nod to how irresistible the dish is.
The soup version is a natural evolution of the recipe, combining the same bold flavors with the comforting qualities of a classic chicken soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, romantic dinners, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Why Is It So Special?
Marry Me Chicken Soup stands out for several reasons:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth creates a velvety, luxurious texture that’s hard to resist.
- Bold Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs add depth and complexity to the soup, making every bite a burst of flavor.
- Comforting and Versatile: This soup is perfect for cozy nights at home, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to make it lighter, spicier, or more filling.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
To make this soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth forms the base of the soup.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a fragrant, savory base.
- Onion: Diced onion adds depth and sweetness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick of heat (optional).
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach or Kale: For added nutrition and color.
- Pasta or Rice: To make the soup heartier.
- Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor.
- White Wine: A splash of white wine can add a touch of acidity and complexity.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Here’s how to make this irresistible soup:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it if using pre-cooked chicken.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken until it’s lightly browned on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup.
Step 6: Customize and Finish
- If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt.
- For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or rice.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800-900mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and high-quality chicken broth make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If using raw chicken, be careful not to overcook it during the initial sautéing step.
- Balance the Flavors: If the soup tastes too rich, add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to brighten it up.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Marry Me Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
While the soup can be frozen, the cream may separate upon thawing. To avoid this, freeze the soup without the cream and Parmesan, then add them when reheating.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors make it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable. So why not give it a try? Who knows—you might just fall in love with it!
Recipe-Specific External Links
- Insanely Good Recipes – Marry Me Chicken Soup
- https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/marry-me-chicken-soup/
- A detailed recipe for Marry Me Chicken Soup with tips and serving suggestions.
- The Recipe Critic – Marry Me Chicken Soup
- https://therecipecritic.com/marry-me-chicken-soup/
- A creamy and comforting version of the soup with step-by-step instructions.
Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Comforting and Irresistible Dish
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Grater
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless, diced or shredded
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- optional spinach or kale for added nutrition
- optional cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup
- optional mushrooms sliced
- optional white wine splash, for acidity
Instructions
- Dice or shred chicken. Chop onion, mince garlic, and slice sun-dried tomatoes. Grate Parmesan cheese.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and gradually add Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add spinach or kale, pasta, rice, or mushrooms if desired. Simmer until greens are wilted and soup is heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.
