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If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, indulgent, and utterly irresistible, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup is a heartwarming blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, and just the right hint of spice that comes together into a silky, rich bowl of comfort. It’s the kind of soup that wraps you in a warm hug and keeps you coming back for more, guaranteeing smiles around the table and maybe even a proposal or two. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your new favorite weeknight dinner or weekend showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this creamy chicken soup. Each element plays its part to make the dish sing—whether it’s the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, melty Parmesan, or the fresh herbs that crown the final presentation.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs bring juicy richness, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): These add tangy depth and a lovely burst of color.
- Onion: Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Garlic: Brings warmth and complexity with each fragrant bite.
- Chicken Broth: Choose a high-quality, low-sodium broth for a clean, savory base.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for that signature silky, creamy texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness and thickens the soup beautifully.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that lightens the tomato and cream flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Brightens the soup with fresh herbal notes and adds visual appeal.
- All-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent to give the soup body and richness.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: For a fresh, green touch that adds nutrients and a little color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken dry and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, then sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This browning adds irresistible flavor and texture—don’t worry about cooking it through yet. Once beautifully golden, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base with Onion, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Lower the heat and add a splash more olive oil if your pot looks dry. Toss in chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent to create a sweet, aromatic base. Then, stir in minced garlic and your chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with a spoonful of their flavorful oil. Let everything cook together for a minute or two so those tastes can mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Soup’s Creamy Body with a Light Roux
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for about a minute. This step cooks out any raw flour taste and starts to build the silky thickness that will give the soup its luscious texture.
Step 4: Whisk in Chicken Broth and Seasonings
Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness. Now toss in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is the moment your soup starts to develop its signature depth.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken to Tender Perfection
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, making sure they’re mostly covered by the liquid. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. This gentle cooking finishes the chicken while letting all the flavors blend harmoniously.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken for the Perfect Bite-Sized Pieces
Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-friendly pieces. This step ensures each spoonful has tender chicken woven through the creamy soup.
Step 7: Finish the Soup with Cream, Parmesan, and Greens
Increase heat slightly and whisk in heavy cream along with generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan. Watch as the soup transforms into a glorious, velvety delight. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preferences. If you want to sneak in some greens, stir in fresh spinach or kale now, letting it wilt for a minute or two.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it through so every spoonful is packed with savory goodness. Let the soup heat through one last time, then ladle it into bowls. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a flourish of fresh basil or parsley to impress your guests and elevate the experience.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan plus chopped fresh basil or parsley not only adds lovely color but brightens the rich flavors with a fresh herbal lift. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top gives a beautiful finish.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or garlic toasts are perfect for dipping and soaking up every luscious spoonful. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy richness of the soup and adds refreshing crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small Parmesan crisp on the side for an elegant touch. Layer it in clear glass mugs for a cozy presentation ideal for casual dinners or outdoor gatherings. Top each bowl with a small sprig of fresh herb for a subtle but stunning visual invite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! Pour it into freezer-safe containers but hold off on adding fresh herbs or cream until after thawing if possible to maintain the best texture. When frozen properly, it can last up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from breaking. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture if it has thickened too much. Top with fresh herbs again after warming for that extra burst of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking, as breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy cashew-based alternative. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without dairy. Keep in mind the taste will vary slightly but remain delicious.
Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
Sure! Small pasta shapes like orzo or cooked rice can be added towards the end of cooking or stirred in just before serving to make the soup even heartier. Adjust liquid levels accordingly to keep your desired consistency.
What gives the soup its signature creamy texture?
The magic comes from the combination of the roux created with flour, the heavy cream, and the Parmesan cheese. These three work together to thicken the soup and impart a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can sear the chicken and prepare the sautéed onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes mixture a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge and then finish the soup the next day for a quick and easy meal.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is truly a culinary treasure that brings warmth, bold flavors, and a touch of romance to your dining table. With its irresistible creaminess, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomato notes, this soup promises to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So, grab your apron, dive in, and let this luscious dish work its magic—your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you will thank you over and over again!
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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 for a luscious texture. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s so delicious, it might 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
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Finishing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add extra olive oil if necessary. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with a spoonful of their oil, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and thicken the base.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Return seared chicken to the pot, submerging it mostly in the broth. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Keep the soup simmering gently. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the soup is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. If using, stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; if using dry ones, rehydrate them in warm water and use additional olive oil.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour when creating the roux.
- Spinach or kale is optional but adds color and nutrition.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
