Marry Me Chicken Soup

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the rich and creamy goodness of “Marry Me Chicken” with the comforting elements of a soup. Named after the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, which is known for being so delicious that it could inspire a proposal, this soup version brings the same irresistible flavors into a warming, savory bowl of goodness. The chicken is tender and juicy, enveloped in a creamy, herby broth with hints of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a perfect blend of seasonings. With the addition of vegetables like carrots and celery, as well as a subtle depth of flavor from Parmesan cheese and Italian spices, this soup delivers all the flavors you love from the original recipe in a comforting and satisfying form. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dish for a chilly evening or a family-friendly dinner, Marry Me Chicken Soup is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Flavor

The soup is packed with flavors from the creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. The chicken is tender and infused with delicious seasonings that make each spoonful rich and savory.

2. Comforting and Hearty

This soup is filling and comforting, with the perfect balance of creaminess from the broth, heartiness from the chicken, and texture from vegetables like carrots and celery. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need a satisfying meal.

3. Easy to Make

Unlike some complicated soup recipes, Marry Me Chicken Soup is relatively simple and quick to make. The creamy broth comes together easily, and the chicken can be added directly into the soup for minimal prep work.

4. Versatile

You can customize this soup by adding or omitting vegetables based on what you have on hand. Add extra greens like spinach or kale, or switch up the seasonings to suit your tastes.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, sliced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Chicken broth or stock
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables to fill the soup.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a subtle kick of heat. You can also add fresh jalapeños for extra spice.
• Make it Lighter: Use light cream or a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup. You can also use half-and-half to reduce the richness.
• Add Pasta or Rice: For a more filling soup, consider adding small pasta like ditalini or cooked rice to the soup. It will absorb the broth and make the soup even heartier.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back In

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, stirring it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness. Feel free to use either, depending on your preference.
• Customize the Vegetables: If you have other vegetables you want to add, such as zucchini, spinach, or potatoes, feel free to do so. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly.
• Make it Creamier: If you prefer a creamier soup, increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• Add Lemon for Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Once it’s cooked through, remove it from the pot to prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Marry Me Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh crusty bread, a simple green salad, or crackers for a more complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the flavor and add an extra layer of richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup, but the cream may separate slightly when reheating. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

When reheating, be sure to do so slowly over low heat. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, simply add a little extra broth or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this soup! Just shred the chicken and add it into the soup towards the end of cooking.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. It will store in the refrigerator for a few days and taste even better as the flavors develop.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?

To make the soup spicier, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the broth. Adjust according to your preferred spice level.

4. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup. It will still add creaminess but with fewer calories.

5. Can I add pasta to the soup?

Yes! Small pasta like ditalini or orzo would work well in this soup. Add it towards the end of cooking to avoid it getting too soft.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan is best for this recipe, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano if needed.

7. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and pasta (if you add pasta), this soup can be made gluten-free.

8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

9. Can I use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth and add plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

10. How do I store leftover soup?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a deliciously creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” recipe with the comfort of a warm soup. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for leftovers, this soup is a must-try for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even a proposal!

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