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If you’ve been searching for that perfect soul-soothing bowl to warm your heart and delight your taste buds, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and sun-kissed sun-dried tomatoes in a silky broth that’s nothing short of pure culinary romance. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug, packed with layers of flavor that promise to enchant anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but come together to create a deep, comforting flavor profile. Each element plays a vital role—from the savory chicken broth forming the base to the fresh spinach adding a beautiful pop of green and subtle freshness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner protein; both shred beautifully for the soup.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): Adds intense, tangy sweetness and a burst of color that brightens the soup’s creamy texture.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly smooth, rich soup body every bite craves.
- Fresh garlic: Provides a fragrant punch and depth, perfectly complementing the creamy broth.
- Yellow onion: Slowly softened onion enhances sweetness and forms a flavor foundation.
- Chicken broth (low-sodium): Controls the salt level while giving you a nourishing, savory liquid base.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melted into the soup to add a nutty, umami finish that elevates every spoonful.
- All-purpose flour: Works as a gentle thickening agent, creating that creamy, stick-to-the-spoon texture.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the broth with aromatic herbs for that classic, comforting flavor profile.
- Fresh spinach: Stirred in last for vibrant color and a tender, leafy contrast.
- Olive oil or butter: For searing and sautéing, adding richness and helping flavor meld wonderfully.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings harmony to the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and peppery brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick if you love a touch of warmth that stimulates the palate.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Sear and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and black pepper; this simple step boosts flavor right at the source. Heat olive oil or butter in a heavy pot and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. This caramelization locks in juices and adds a gorgeous depth to your soup. Set the chicken aside to cool, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces—perfect for tender, easy-to-savor bites in every bowl.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat and add a bit more fat to your pot if needed. Toss in chopped yellow onion and gently cook it until translucent and sweet, giving the soup a flavorful backbone. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes next; their tangy, slightly chewy presence contrasts beautifully with the smooth creaminess you’ll add later.
Step 3: Create the Roux and Add Broth
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables while stirring continuously. This cooks away any raw flour taste and begins thickening the base. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is where the soup starts to transform into a luscious, cohesive comfort dish.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Seasonings
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in Italian seasoning and, if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra warmth. Season the broth with salt and pepper and allow it to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors have a chance to meld into something truly special.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Turn the heat down low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring gently until the soup looks luxuriously creamy. Next, sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and silky smooth, adding that irresistible, cheesy umami that makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach and Final Touches
Finally, throw in fresh spinach and stir gently just until it wilts, introducing a fresh, vibrant layer of flavor and color to your soup. Taste one last time to adjust the seasoning, then it’s ready to be ladled into bowls for loving servings.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. A few fresh basil or parsley leaves can brighten the presentation and add a subtle herbaceous note that lifts the dish even higher.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy soup with crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping into every luscious spoonful. A simple side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness beautifully, making the meal feel complete yet light.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup in mini bread bowls for a charming touch at dinner parties or family gatherings. Alternatively, top each serving with crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch that takes the comfort factor up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle—just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding spinach before freezing—add it freshly when reheating to keep color and texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from curdling or sticking. If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or water to regain that silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds deliciously seasoned meat to your soup; just shred and add it during Step 4 without searing.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist that’s still creamy and flavorful.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, celery, or mushrooms with the onions for extra depth and nutrition.
How spicy will the soup be with red pepper flakes?
Just a pinch adds a gentle warmth without overpowering—perfect if you like a subtle kick. You can always omit or adjust to your own heat preference.
What type of chicken is best for shredding?
Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, making them ideal for shredding, while breasts are leaner but still work well if cooked carefully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe enough for your next cozy meal. It’s supremely comforting, easy to make, and bursting with flavors that feel like a warm embrace. So turn on your stove, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that might just become your new all-time favorite in no time.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, rich, and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a savory broth. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy meal and can be made on the stovetop in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (plus extra if needed)
Soup Base
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finish
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pot and let cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil or butter if needed. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes, sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps, continuing until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Return Chicken and Season: Add shredded chicken back into the pot along with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach until it just wilts into the soup.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; drain and chop before using.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on stovetop.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for different greens.
