If you are searching for that perfect bowl of comfort that tastes like a warm hug from someone who truly cares, then look no further. This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is a knockout blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky parmesan cream base that altogether creates an irresistible flavor explosion. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to cozy up on the couch and savor every single spoonful while imagining your next dinner guest falling head over heels just from that first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in delivering the soup’s signature creaminess, tangy sweetness, and comforting warmth. From the hearty protein to the herbs and spices that bring it all together, simplicity meets flavor in the best way possible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein — both shred beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): Adds a rich, concentrated depth with a touch of tang and sweetness that brightens the broth.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle bite that forms a flavorful base.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that lingers lovingly in every spoonful.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): The heart of the soup that keeps it savory without overpowering other flavors.
- Heavy Cream: Delivers that luscious, silky texture that defines the “creamy” in this dreamy recipe.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that melts effortlessly into the broth.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things exciting without stealing the show.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A touch of freshness and vibrant color that makes every bowl Instagram-worthy.
- All-purpose flour: Our secret thickening agent to get that perfect soup body.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: Adds a healthy green boost and extra texture.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
First things first, pat those boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels—getting them as dry as possible helps create a beautiful golden crust. Generously season with salt and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The goal here is to build flavor with that golden exterior, not to fully cook the meat just yet. Once all sides have that irresistible color, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Turn the heat down to medium and add another splash of olive oil if the pot looks dry. Toss in your chopped onions and cook them slowly for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness. Next, add finely minced garlic and those chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with a spoonful of their flavorful oil. Sauté everything for another couple of minutes, letting the garlic release its intoxicating aroma without burning.
Step 3: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your sautéed mixture and stir constantly for about one minute. This step helps cook off the flour’s raw flavor and forms a roux, a thickening base that will give your soup that irresistible velvety texture.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Now comes the magic of whisking. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, infusing the broth with a fragrant warmth that hints of Italy’s sun-kissed hills. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—the foundation of flavor that will soon hug every ingredient.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in that flavorful broth. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let everything simmer together for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through and become tender enough to shred easily—transforming into the soul of this soup.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces while the soup continues to gently bubble. This is the moment where the chicken’s tender texture really shines and blends perfectly back into the creamy base.
Step 7: Add Cream and Parmesan
Turn up the heat just slightly to a gentle simmer and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the soup thickens and turns into that rich, creamy dream you’ve been craving. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. At this point, if you’re feeling green, stirring in fresh spinach or chopped kale is a brilliant way to add color, flavor, and nutrition—letting it wilt just until tender.
Step 8: Combine and Heat Through
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together until the chicken is perfectly coated in that luscious creamy sauce. Let the soup warm through another minute or two. When it’s ready, ladle into bowls and get ready for the best part: the eating!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make this soup shine even brighter. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds extra depth, while a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a bright herbaceous note. It’s like the little black dress of garnishes—simple yet elegant.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty and comforting, but pairing it with some crusty garlic bread or a warm, flaky biscuit can elevate your meal to a whole new level. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also offers a crisp contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve this soup in charming rustic bowls and place a couple of Parmesan crisps on top for a crunchy surprise. Or swirl a drizzle of extra cream or pesto on the surface for a gorgeous marbled effect that’s sure to wow guests visually as much as your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your first helping of this magic soup, simply transfer the leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, developing more flavor as it rests.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup if you want to save some for later, but take care to freeze before adding any fresh greens, which don’t fare well in the freezer. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from curdling. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine and are leaner, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during cooking, which many people prefer for this soup’s texture.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this soup?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free with minimal impact on creaminess.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that balances the richness without overpowering—feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours before adding the cream and Parmesan near the end.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
Adding cooked pasta, rice, or even potatoes can bulk it up if you want more substance, turning it into an even heartier meal perfect for chilly days.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe truly captures everything you want in a comforting dish with an unforgettable flavor that lingers long after the last spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or hoping to impress that special someone, this soup promises a delicious journey that’s cozy, rich, and utterly heartwarming. Trust me, once you try it, it just might become your go-to recipe for all those moments you want to share delicious love in a bowl.
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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
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This luscious soup combines savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes, making it perfect for a cozy meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium, high-quality recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season them 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, add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add more olive oil if needed. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with about a tablespoon of their oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux for thickening.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously 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, submerging it mostly in the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheese: With the pot back on gentle simmer, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup turns creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish 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 chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; drain and reserve the oil for cooking.
- Chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture, but breasts work fine too.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adding fresh greens like spinach or kale boosts nutrition and color.
- The flour roux is key for thickening; stir well to avoid lumps.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop.
