Name: Best Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Youll Ever Taste
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish; Cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving)

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Tired of bland, uninspiring chicken soup recipes that leave you wanting more? At Cooks Foody, we understand that struggle.

Our Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a game-changer that transforms ordinary chicken soup into a proposal-worthy meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds or maybe even popping the question!

This creamy, flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers all the comfort of traditional chicken soup with an elevated twist that makes it truly special. The tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, creamy broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs create a bowl of pure comfort that’s impossible to resist.

As part of the Cooks Foody team, Elizabeth has perfected this recipe through countless iterations in her Austin kitchen, combining her love for American comfort food with subtle Mediterranean influences. What began as a cozy dinner for friends quickly became our most requested recipe!

In this guide, you’ll discover our secrets for perfect chicken selection, the exact balance of herbs and spices, step-by-step cooking instructions, and creative serving suggestions that make this Marry Me Chicken Soup a standout meal for any occasion.

Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Works

Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs that stay tender and flavorful
Combines the hearty satisfaction of chicken soup with the richness of Marry Me Chicken
Ready in under an hour for weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings
Freezes beautifully for meal prep convenience
Adaptable to various dietary needs with simple substitutions

Choosing the Right Chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Best Cuts for Marry Me Chicken Soup

For the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are our top recommendation. Their higher fat content ensures they remain juicy and tender throughout cooking, while imparting richer flavor to the broth. The dark meat adds depth that breast meat simply can’t match in a soup context.

Buying Tips for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Look for chicken thighs with a pinkish color and minimal fat trimming. Free-range or organic chicken typically provides better flavor for this special soup. For convenience, pre-trimmed packages save time, but selecting individual pieces allows for better quality control.

Substitutions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you prefer white meat, boneless chicken breasts can work just be careful not to overcook them. For a time-saving option, rotisserie chicken shredded into bite-sized pieces makes a convenient substitute, though you’ll lose some of the flavor that comes from cooking the chicken directly in the soup base.

Ingredients & Prep for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Best Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Youll Ever Taste

Chicken Prep Essentials for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Start by trimming excess fat from 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning this ensures better browning when you sear the meat, creating those delicious flavor foundations that make this soup special.

Marinades/Rubs for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Italian seasoning blend 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Fres ground black pepper ½ teaspoon

Toss chicken pieces in these seasonings and let sit for 15-20 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Pantry Staples for Marry Me Chicken Soup

The soul of this Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in its creamy, flavor-packed base:

Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
Heavy cream (1 cup)
Sun-dried tomatoes (⅓ cup, julienned)
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped)
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated)

Looking for more comforting treats? Check out our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a sweet follow-up to your savory soup!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Dice onion, mince garlic, and measure out all ingredients before starting.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper just before adding to the pot.

Cooking Method for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Sear seasoned chicken pieces in batches (about 2-3 minutes per side) until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes).
Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return chicken to the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, stirring until cheese melts.

Doneness Check for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Your Marry Me Chicken Soup is ready when the chicken pieces are completely tender and easily break apart with gentle pressure. The soup should have thickened slightly but still maintain a silky consistency. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for food safety.

Resting for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Allow the soup to rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to reach the perfect serving temperature. The soup will also thicken slightly during this time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Avoiding Tough Chicken in Marry Me Chicken Soup

Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning chicken this causes steaming instead of searing
Simmer gently rather than boiling to prevent the chicken from becoming tough
If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the simmering time by about 5 minutes

Tool Recommendations for Marry Me Chicken Soup

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven conducts heat evenly and prevents scorching of the creamy base. A wooden spoon works best for stirring without scratching your pot, and a good ladle is essential for serving. For extra smooth soup, an immersion blender can partially blend some of the base while leaving chicken pieces intact.

Storage & Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

For more cozy recipes to warm your heart, visit our Pinterest page where we share seasonal favorites and comfort food classics that will keep you coming back for more!

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Spicy Twist on Marry Me Chicken Soup

Transform your Marry Me Chicken Soup into a spicy delight by adding ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions. For even more heat, include 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce just before serving. The heat beautifully complements the creamy base.

Keto/Paleo Marry Me Chicken Soup

Make this Marry Me Chicken Soup keto-friendly by thickening with xanthan gum (½ teaspoon) instead of flour. For paleo adaptation, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese, adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Global Flavors in Marry Me Chicken Soup

Cuisine	Key Additions	Herbs/Spices	Serving Suggestion
Mediterranean	Artichoke hearts, olives	Oregano, thyme	With crusty bread
Tuscan	Spinach, white beans	Rosemary, sage	Drizzle with olive oil
Southwest	Corn, black beans	Cumin, coriander	Top with avocado slices
Thai-inspired	Coconut milk (replace cream)	Lemongrass, ginger	Garnish with cilantro

Looking for more fall-inspired recipes? Try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for a seasonal dessert after enjoying your soup!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Elevate your Marry Me Chicken Soup experience by serving it with freshly baked crusty bread or homemade garlic knots perfect for dipping into that creamy broth. For a complete meal, accompany the soup with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze.

For a more elegant presentation, serve in warmed bowls garnished with extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a swirl of good olive oil. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving adds brightness that balances the rich, creamy flavors.

Tea pairings work wonderfully with this soup try a robust black tea or a subtle chamomile depending on the time of day. For a non-alcoholic refreshing drink, sparkling water with a twist of lemon complements without overwhelming the soup’s complex flavors.

Before serving your next dinner party, check out our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a festive dessert that will impress your guests!

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup

Can I use frozen chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup?

While fresh chicken produces the best results, you can use frozen chicken thighs in a pinch. Thaw completely before cooking, and pat thoroughly dry to ensure proper browning. Pre-cooked frozen chicken is not recommended as it will become overcooked and tough during the simmering process.

How do I fix Marry Me Chicken Soup that’s too thick or thin?

If your soup is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until reaching desired consistency. For soup that’s too thin, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the simmering soup until it thickens.

Is this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator. For meal prep, prepare as directed but slightly undercook the chicken. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. When reheating, the chicken will finish cooking without becoming tough or dry.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the secrets to our irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup, it’s time to head to the kitchen and create some magic! This soul-warming recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special the kind of meal that creates memories around your table.

Best Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Youll Ever Taste