If you’ve been hunting for a soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. This soup is pure magic, loaded with tender chicken, luscious cream, and the bright, tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes—all swimming in a rich broth that’s guaranteed to have everyone swooning. Every spoonful bursts with comforting flavors and just the right kick of herbs and red pepper flakes, making it a perfect dish to impress that special someone or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays an essential role—from building the savory backbone to delivering the color and texture that make this soup stand out. The beauty of this recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create that unforgettable, creamy harmony.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for more moisture, or breasts for a leaner bite; both work wonderfully in this soup.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): Their intense, slightly sweet flavor perks up the broth and adds a splash of color.
- Onion: The cornerstone of nearly any savory dish, onions bring sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic: A must for that irresistible aroma and punch of flavor.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): This base provides the liquid foundation with rich, savory notes.
- Heavy Cream: The secret weapon for achieving that dreamy, velvety texture everyone will adore.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and helps thicken the soup while bringing a lovely nutty taste.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances every bite with classic Mediterranean vibes.
- Red pepper flakes: For a gentle, tantalizing heat that wakes up your palate.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Bright, fresh herbs to finish and add a pop of green.
- All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the soup into creamy perfection.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: For an added touch of green and nutrients, wilt them in at the end.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and black pepper. Heating olive oil until shimmering in a heavy-bottomed pot, sear the chicken until golden on both sides. This step locks in juicy flavor and creates a beautiful base for the soup, so don’t skip the browning. Once seared, set the chicken aside—no need to cook through just yet.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onions and gently cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with some of their flavorful oil. This golden mixture builds the soup’s fragrant foundation, so stir carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the aromatic mixture and stir constantly for about a minute. This cooks out that raw flour taste and sets the stage for a perfectly thickened soup.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Slowly pour in your chicken broth as you whisk to keep everything smooth and lump-free. Then, sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer where all those flavors start marrying together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the simmering broth. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let everything slowly cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and ready to shred. This slow simmer intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat perfectly.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken onto a cutting board and pull it apart into bite-sized shreds using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside while your soup liquid gets its finishing touches.
Step 7: Make It Creamy and Divine
Boost the heat just enough to keep the broth at a gentle simmer, and gradually whisk in heavy cream along with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the soup truly transforms—turning luscious, rich, and utterly irresistible. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. For extra greens, add spinach or kale now and watch it wilt beautifully.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Toss the shredded chicken back into the pot, giving everything a good stir so the flavors marry completely and the chicken heats through again. Spoon the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe into warm bowls, and garnish with more Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve piping hot and prepare for rapturous compliments!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley really elevate this soup. The herbs add brightness and freshness that balance the creamy richness, making every bite shine.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping, while a crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast that keeps things light and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this soup in charming soup crocks or mini cast iron skillets. Top with a little extra Parmesan crisp or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for that gorgeous finishing touch. Presentation like this will make your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe feel truly extraordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen wonderfully as it rests, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Freeze for up to 2 months to have a comforting, homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much upon reheating to restore that perfect silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after cooking. Whichever you choose will be delicious.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers or simply omit them, but sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful tang and depth you won’t want to miss if possible.
Is this soup spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle touch of heat that can be adjusted or omitted to suit your preference. It’s more about warming flavor than fiery spice.
Can I substitute dairy ingredients to make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to make a delicious dairy-free version.
How long does the soup take to make?
From start to finish, plan for about 45 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s equal parts cozy and show-stopping. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just craving comfort food that feels luxurious, this soup delivers in every way. I can’t wait for you to try it, fall in love with those silky, savory flavors, and maybe even hear that special proposal line after the first bowl!
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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 and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken simmered in a savory broth enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this comforting soup is garnished with fresh basil or parsley, creating a luscious, heartwarming meal perfect for impressing loved ones.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for sautéing)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred, including 1 tbsp oil)
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale
Soup Base
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of 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 and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of olive oil if needed, then add chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with their oil; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning the garlic.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking 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, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Increase heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir well. Let heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; reserve the oil for sautéing.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- To reduce fat, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but it will be less creamy.
- Adding fresh spinach or kale enhances nutrition and adds color.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
