This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a cozy, creamy, and flavorful twist on the beloved Marry Me Chicken dish. With tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a rich, velvety broth, this soup is everything I crave in a comforting bowl. It’s hearty enough for a full meal and elegant enough to serve on a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup brings restaurant-quality flavor to the table with minimal effort. The combination of cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes adds richness and depth, while the herbs create a beautifully aromatic base. It’s one of those soups that feels like a warm hug—perfect for chilly nights, date nights, or just when I want something extra satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I sauté the chopped onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings (Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper), letting them cook for a minute to release their flavors.
- I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, I stir in the shredded chicken and let everything heat through for 5–10 minutes.
- I lower the heat and add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- At this point, I add fresh spinach or kale if I’m using it, letting it wilt into the soup.
- I taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. From start to finish, it takes around 35–40 minutes—about 10 minutes for prep and 25–30 minutes for cooking.
Variations
- Pasta version: I stir in cooked pasta like ditalini, orzo, or small shells for an even heartier bowl.
- Spicy kick: I add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for added heat.
- Dairy-free: I use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- Low-carb: I skip the pasta and keep it protein-rich with extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower.
- Mushroom lover’s twist: I sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy layer of flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, I stir frequently to keep the soup creamy. If it thickens too much in the fridge, I just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. This soup also freezes well—though I wait to add the cream until after thawing and reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Soup?
The original Marry Me Chicken dish got its name because it’s so delicious, people joked it’s proposal-worthy. This soup version keeps all the same irresistible flavors in cozy, comforting form.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, I combine all ingredients (except cream and cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. I stir in the cream and cheese at the end, just before serving.
What’s the best chicken to use?
I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breasts work just as well.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often make it a day ahead—the flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Just reheat gently and stir well before serving.
How do I keep the soup from curdling?
I make sure the heat is low when adding the cream and cheese, and I avoid boiling the soup once the dairy is in. Stirring gently helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything I want in a comfort food dish—warm, rich, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. I love how quickly it comes together and how it turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether I’m making it for family, friends, or just myself, it always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and comforting take on the classic dish, combining shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs in a rich, velvety broth. It’s a cozy one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or special dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Category: Soup / Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add shredded chicken and let it heat through for 5–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add spinach or kale if using, and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Stir in cooked pasta for a heartier version.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Add extra veggies or mushrooms for variation.
- Soup thickens as it sits; thin with broth when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
