If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and indulgence, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite for All Ages Recipe. This soup is a luscious blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan-infused cream that creates a bowl of pure comfort and satisfaction. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or simply when you need something to brighten your day with a dash of love and flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe promises to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite for All Ages Recipe is delightfully simple because every ingredient plays an essential role. Each one adds layers of taste, texture, and vibrancy to this heartwarming dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to sauté the chicken and veggies while adding a fruity richness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Provides tender, juicy protein that’s the star of the soup.
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 150g): Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that lifts all the flavors.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil): Delivers a tangy, intense tomato flavor with a delightful chew.
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium): Forms the nourishing, savory liquid foundation of the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a velvety texture and luxurious creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses a sweet, herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers earthy, slightly bitter notes that deepen the taste.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat): Gives a gentle warming kick if you want a hint of spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite for All Ages Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by warming olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts or thighs and cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, set them aside to rest. This slow cooking ensures juicy, caramelized chicken with a beautiful flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Cooking them in the flavorful leftover oil gives the soup a mouthwatering aroma and a soft sweetness that is impossible to resist. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step allows the intense, tangy tomato flavor to mingle and blend seamlessly with the onions and garlic, building a deeper, layered taste.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to marry these fragrant elements into a cohesive broth.
Step 5: Shred and Return the Chicken
While the broth simmers, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. This method gives a rustic, hearty texture to your soup. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, ensuring every bite holds tender, flavorful meat.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering soup. Let it continue to cook together for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the cheese to melt beautifully, creating its signature creamy texture.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your soup and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes if desired. This step lets you personalize the dish to your perfect balance of flavors.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Herbs
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. The fresh herbs lift the soup’s richness, adding a vibrant, herbal note that completes the experience.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite for All Ages Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil is all you need to brighten this cream-rich soup just before serving. A little extra Parmesan on top doesn’t hurt either if you want to enhance the indulgence. These garnishes are simple but elevate both the flavor and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last creamy drop. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance and some crunch, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls or decorate the top with a swirl of cream and a few whole sun-dried tomato pieces. You can also add a few sliced olives or a drizzle of basil oil for extra flair. Making the presentation as inviting as the taste is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a quick and comforting option for busy days.
Freezing
While this creamy soup is fantastic fresh, it freezes well too. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup feels too thick after freezing. This careful reheating keeps the soup’s texture perfectly silky and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, often offering more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. Keep in mind the soup may be a little less rich but will still deliver on comfort.
Is it okay to skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes are key to the unique tangy depth, if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes (drained) or roast fresh tomatoes to get a similar effect.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer mild, feel free to omit them entirely or start with a smaller amount.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This recipe is designed around chicken and chicken broth, but to make it vegetarian, substitute with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding hearty vegetables or beans instead. The cream and Parmesan still create a luscious base.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite for All Ages Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a treasured crowd-pleaser. It’s simple yet sublime, blending wholesome ingredients and luxurious creaminess to create a soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. So go ahead and make a pot today—your family and friends will thank you for this cozy, flavorful delight!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite for All Ages Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of herbs simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for all ages, this soup combines creamy Parmesan and heavy cream with aromatic spices to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned. Remove from pot and let rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Shred and Return Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, then return it to the pot with the broth and aromatics.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer more flavorful and moist meat.
- For a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra richness, but you can rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes if needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
