Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe: Creamy, Cozy & Irresistible
When I first made this Marry Me Chicken Soup, I wasn’t prepared for how much everyone would love it. The aroma of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs filled my kitchen long before the first spoonful was served. One taste of that creamy Parmesan broth with tender chicken, and my family immediately said, “You have to make this again!” That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another soup — it was the kind of recipe that makes people fall in love with comfort food all over again.
This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe takes the viral skillet dish and transforms it into a cozy, soul-warming bowl that’s perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or even an elegant dinner party. With every spoonful, you’ll get a balance of creamy broth, savory chicken, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes per side). Remove, shred, and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add oregano and red pepper flakes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the broth is creamy and smooth.
- Return shredded chicken and fresh basil to the pot. Add spinach or kale if using.
- Simmer briefly until greens are wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving hot.
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average chicken soup. It’s indulgent yet simple, and here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Rich, creamy broth – thanks to Parmesan and heavy cream.
- Packed with flavor – sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil give it a Tuscan twist.
- One-pot recipe – easy to make on busy weeknights.
- Customizable – add spinach, kale, or pasta for extra heartiness.
- Romantic touch – perfect for date night or Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or cooking to impress someone special, this soup truly lives up to its name.
Ingredients (with substitution tips)
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Tip |
| Chicken breasts | 1 lb | Chicken thighs for juicier meat |
| Salt & black pepper | 1 tsp + ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Fresh garlic for bolder flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | Use shallot powder if available |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp | Regular paprika for milder taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Avocado oil or butter |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small | Swap with shallots |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | Adjust to preference |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Italian seasoning blend works |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | Leave out for less spice |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup | Roasted red peppers |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Veggie broth for lighter taste |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Half-and-half for lighter option |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor |
| Fresh basil | ¼ cup | Fresh parsley or thyme |
| Spinach or kale | handfuls (optional) | Swiss chard or arugula |
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Step-by-Step
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through (5–7 minutes per side). Remove, shred, and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until fragrant. Add oregano and red pepper flakes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits for maximum flavor. Simmer gently.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth and velvety.
- Return chicken and basil to the pot. Toss in spinach or kale if desired.
- Simmer briefly until greens are wilted. Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve hot.
This soup is as beautiful as it is flavorful — the creamy golden broth with pops of red tomatoes and green basil makes it perfect for a Pinterest-worthy photo.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
- With bread: Pair with warm garlic bread, baguette slices, or cheesy breadsticks.
- Over pasta or rice: Turn it into a hearty dinner by ladling it over cooked penne, orzo, or fluffy jasmine rice.
- Date night upgrade: Serve in shallow bowls with a basil garnish, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Seasonal twist: Add butternut squash in fall or asparagus in spring for a seasonal flair.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup (Pro Tips)
- Sear for flavor: Browning the chicken adds depth to the broth.
- Don’t rush the cheese: Stir Parmesan slowly into warm broth to avoid clumping.
- Balance the creaminess: Add broth if it feels too thick, or cream if too thin.
- Fresh herbs matter: Basil at the end makes the soup vibrant and fresh.
- Double batch for meal prep: It tastes even better the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken: It should be juicy, not dry — shred as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes: They give signature tangy sweetness.
- Adding cream too early: Wait until broth simmers to prevent curdling.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother.
- Overloading greens: A handful is plenty — too much spinach can overpower.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | 2 months | Freeze before adding greens for best texture |
| Reheating | Stovetop or microwave | Add splash of broth/cream to refresh |
Pro tip: If freezing, leave out spinach or kale. Add fresh greens when reheating for the best color and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes! It stores beautifully for meal prep and tastes even richer the next day.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it cuts cooking time in half.
What goes best with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad.
Can I add pasta?
Yes! Short pasta like orzo, shells, or ditalini works perfectly.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is creamy, flavorful, and unforgettable — the kind of dish that wins hearts and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prep, or a romantic dinner, it delivers comfort in every spoonful.
Save this recipe for later on Pinterest and share it with someone who deserves a cozy bowl of love!
