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If you’re searching for a soul-warming dish that feels like a love letter in every spoonful, look no further than this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. Imagine tender chicken simmered to perfection in a luscious broth enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy Parmesan, all coming together to create a comforting and indulgent meal that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cozying up for a weeknight dinner or impressing someone special, this recipe promises to deliver flavor, warmth, and a bit of kitchen magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, thickening the soup to creamy perfection, or adding brightness and color to every bowl.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Offers tender, juicy protein that shreds beautifully into the soup.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): Bring concentrated, tangy sweetness that deepens the broth’s complexity.
- Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and forms the flavorful base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth that instantly lifts the dish.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): The heart of the soup, ensuring a rich, savory foundation.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that signature silky, luscious texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and creaminess.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all flavors together harmoniously.
- Red pepper flakes: A subtle kick for balanced heat that excites the palate.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Lends bright, herbaceous notes and vibrant color.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening, giving the soup its cozy body.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: Sneaks in some greens to boost freshness and nutrition.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken for Flavor
Start by patting your chicken dry—this helps it brown perfectly. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden on both sides. This step builds a caramelized crust that adds an amazing depth of flavor later on. The chicken doesn’t cook all the way here; it’s just the flavorful start.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, reduce the heat and gently cook your chopped onions until translucent and soft, creating a sweet base. Add in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes along with their flavorful oil for a minute or two. The garlic releases its fragrance, and the sun-dried tomatoes contribute a rich, tangy burst that makes the soup memorable.
Step 3: Creating a Roux to Thicken the Soup
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed mixture and stir constantly for a minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a roux, which thickens your soup beautifully, providing a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel that you’ll adore.
Step 4: Adding Broth and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in your chicken broth to prevent lumps and build a smooth base. Season with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes to layer spicy warmth and herbal brightness. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer as the flavors mingle together.
Step 5: Simmering the Chicken to Tender Perfection
Carefully nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pot, making sure they’re mostly covered. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer until the chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily—about 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer integrates the chicken juices into the broth for unbeatable taste.
Step 6: Shredding the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every spoonful has tender chicken distributed evenly, adding hearty satisfaction to the creamy soup.
Step 7: Enriching with Cream and Parmesan
Turn the heat back up to a gentle simmer and whisk in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan until the soup becomes rich and beautifully creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt gently, introducing an extra layer of freshness and color.
Step 8: Combining and Final Heating
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Let everything warm through for a minute or two. Then, all that’s left is to ladle the soup into bowls, garnish, and watch the magic happen!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is what takes this soup from delicious to unforgettable. Freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley, and even a few extra sun-dried tomatoes on top create a gorgeous, inviting presentation. Fresh herbs add an aromatic pop that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
While the soup shines on its own, pairing it with crusty artisan bread or garlic knots will have everyone dipping happily. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve this soup in rustic bread bowls to wow guests and keep the experience cozy. Or try individual ramekins topped with a sprinkling of extra cheese and a quick broil for a bubbly, golden top. Presentation can be fun and personalized, making each bowl feel like a gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and the flavors will actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
Freezing Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is possible, but cream-based soups can separate after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat, whisking to recombine the ingredients.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to help the creamy texture stay smooth. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can refresh the soup’s luscious consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well for this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving, but breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook them during the searing and simmering steps.
Is it okay to use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?
Yes, but oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide extra richness, especially when you include some of their flavorful oil in the cooking. If using dried tomatoes, consider rehydrating them first or adding a bit of olive oil separately to maintain that depth.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or low-fat?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cream or use half-and-half, though the soup may be less rich.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle, warming heat that complements the creamy and savory flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit it for a milder result.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Fresh spinach or kale work wonderfully, but you can also incorporate mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers during the sauté phase to enhance texture and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is one of those magical dishes that warms the heart and brings joy with every bite. Its rich creaminess, balanced herbs, and tender chicken make it perfect for any occasion where comfort food is needed most. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to soup that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a luscious, flavorful dish packed with tender seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this comforting soup is elevated by creamy heavy cream and fresh greens, making it a meal that’s sure to impress and warm hearts.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Soup Base
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred) with 1 tablespoon oil reserved
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Optional Additions & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs or breasts 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. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes with their reserved oil, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture 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 easy to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Increase heat to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan until the soup becomes creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Wilt Greens and Combine: If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and let wilt for 1-2 minutes. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for another minute.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor; save a bit of the oil for sautéing.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
- For a thicker soup, increase flour slightly or let soup simmer longer.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
