This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty sun-dried tomatoes that make every spoonful delightful.
When I serve this soup, I swear it works like magic! People always ask for seconds—and a few even joke that they might just pop the question! 😄 Enjoy it with crusty bread for the perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing! If you prefer, you can use butter for a richer flavor, or even avocado oil for a lighter taste.
Chicken: I recommend boneless thighs for juiciness, but breast meat works too. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fabulous substitute!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tanginess. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes can be a good swap, though the flavor may change a bit.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though this will give a different flavor.
Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens boost nutrition! Feel free to use other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
Cooking the chicken safely and ensuring it’s tender is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by bringing your olive oil to a good medium heat. You want that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan!
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side to lock in flavors and get some browning. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked yet!
- Once you’ve added the broth and simmered, the chicken will finish cooking in the soup. This keeps it moist and juicy.
After shredding, make sure to return it to the hot soup and let it sit for a few minutes for all those flavors to meld together.
Enjoy making this cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- Juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness
- 1/2 cup cooked pasta or noodles for extra heartiness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to prepare and enjoy a hearty meal that’s bound to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté it until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant and delightful!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to add the chicken! Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the pot, searing both sides for about 3-4 minutes until they’re lightly golden. This step helps to seal in their delicious juices.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
5. Add the Cream and Greens:
Stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully blended into the broth. Next, add in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
6. Season and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. If you want an extra zing, feel free to stir in the fresh lemon juice at this point. If you’re adding pasta or noodles, now’s the time to mix them in!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little heat. Serve hot, ideally with some warm, crusty bread for dipping!
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt dish meant to comfort and delight! Enjoy every single bite! 💛
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup in advance, just hold off on adding the heavy cream until you’re ready to serve. Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir in the cream for that fresh, creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, I recommend omitting the cream before freezing and adding it back in when you reheat the soup, as it can change texture when frozen.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a side of garlic bread for a heartier meal. You can also serve it over rice or with cooked pasta if you’d like to make it more filling!