If you are searching for a soup that truly embodies comfort, indulgence, and a touch of romance, look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. This luscious, flavorful soup blends tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese into a velvety broth that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. With every ingredient thoughtfully chosen to brighten the flavors and textures, this recipe is bound to become a beloved classic in your kitchen — perfect for cozy nights or impressing someone special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients makes all the difference in this dish. Each item in this recipe plays a key role, whether it is to enhance flavor, add creamy texture, or bring vibrant color to your bowl.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness while breasts keep it lean; either works beautifully to provide tender protein.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): These add a burst of tangy, concentrated sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and a foundational savory note when sautéed to perfection.
- Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, it elevates the entire soup with its unmistakable flavor.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): The flavorful liquid base that makes the soup hearty without overwhelming saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: For that rich, silky mouthfeel that gives the soup its luxurious creaminess.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch and helps thicken the soup slightly.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend that ties the flavors together with warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise at the end.
- All-purpose flour: A crucial thickening agent to give the soup body and creaminess without heaviness.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: Adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness if you want some greens.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Start by drying your chicken thighs or breasts with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven and sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in flavor and creates a lovely caramelized crust. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked now; we’ll finish it in the soup.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base
Lower the heat and add more olive oil if needed, then sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes along with some of their oil—this little trick infuses your soup with deep, vibrant taste. Cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown too much.
Step 3: Create the Roux for Creaminess
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over your onion, tomato, and garlic mixture and stir constantly for about a minute. This is the magic that thickens your soup as it cooks, giving the creamy texture that defines the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in your chicken broth to avoid lumps, then season with dried Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this step melds the flavors beautifully and prepares the soup base for the final steps.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return your seared chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly covered by the broth. Cover and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender enough to shred effortlessly. This gentle cooking melds the proteins with your flavorful broth.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This process allows the chicken to soak up more flavor when reintroduced to the soup later.
Step 7: Finish With Cream and Cheese
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and whisk in heavy cream along with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the broth into a velvety, rich delight. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed—add salt and pepper carefully here for perfect balance. If you want to sneak in some greens, stirring in fresh spinach or kale now is ideal to let it wilt gently.
Step 8: Combine and Warm Through
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Let the soup heat through for a minute or two so all the flavors harmonize perfectly. At last, ladle into bowls, garnish, and get ready to fall in love with this soup!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil or parsley takes it over the top. The herbs add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast, while extra Parmesan amps up that irresistible savory factor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. You could also serve alongside warm focaccia or a side of roasted vegetables to create an unforgettable meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or pretty ceramic bowls to make your presentation special. Try adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a swirl of pesto on top for an extra touch of flair. A handful of toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits can also add delightful texture surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep flavors fresh and prevent condensation.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. Freeze in portioned containers leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the soup creamy and smooth. Avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating helps restore the soup’s perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner alternative but be sure not to overcook them during searing to keep the meat tender. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique flavor, you can substitute with chopped roasted red peppers or even omit them for a less tangy version. Just expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep it creamy without dairy. The texture and flavor will differ but still be delicious!
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add cream and Parmesan near the end for best results.
How spicy is the soup?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat, so it’s comforting and inviting even for those sensitive to spice. Adjust the amount to your preference for more kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that feels as luxurious as it tastes, and the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe absolutely delivers on that promise. It’s a dish that invites comfort while impressing with layers of flavor you’ll want to share again and again. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch how it becomes a favorite that makes every dinner feel like a celebration.
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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 dish featuring tender seared chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this luscious soup garnished with fresh herbs is so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (additional, if needed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred) plus 1 tablespoon of their oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (high-quality recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Finishing Touches
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and 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 fully cooked. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium and add additional olive oil if needed. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with their oil, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and can be shredded easily.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from pot, place on a cutting board, and shred into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Increase heat under the pot to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and allow to wilt for 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 and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before simmering enhances flavor and texture.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; reserve a bit of their oil for cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Fresh spinach or kale is optional but adds nice color and nutrition.
- For thicker soup, simmer uncovered a few minutes before adding cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
