How to Make the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of soup that can warm both body and soul. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite comfort food recipe that’s guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. The legendary Marry Me Chicken Soup combines all the beloved flavors of the viral Marry Me Chicken dish but transforms them into a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly cold winter when I was craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. After experimenting with the traditional Marry Me Chicken recipe, I wondered how these same incredible flavors would translate into soup form. The result was nothing short of phenomenal – a rich, velvety soup with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a perfect blend of herbs that creates an unforgettable taste experience.

What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Soup Special

The original Marry Me Chicken earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it to your partner might prompt a marriage proposal! While I can’t guarantee any proposals, I can promise this soup version will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

The key elements that make this soup extraordinary include:

• A creamy base with the perfect balance of chicken broth and heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes that add intense bursts of flavor
• Italian herbs and spices that create depth and complexity
• Tender, juicy chicken that absorbs all the amazing flavors
• Parmesan cheese that adds richness and umami
• A touch of heat from red pepper flakes that elevates all the ingredients

Essential Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything we need:

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Flavor Boosters

• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For Garnish

• Additional grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cracked black pepper
• Crusty bread for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now let’s break down the cooking process into manageable steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

I always start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, I add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, I add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. This trio of onion, carrot, and celery creates what chefs call a “mirepoix” – a flavor foundation that enriches any soup.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth

Place the whole chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Create the Creamy Element

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes until the soup begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Flavor Boosters

Now it’s time to incorporate those signature Marry Me Chicken flavors! Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine and let simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Return the Chicken

Shred or dice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Add the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and incorporated.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Elements

Just before serving, add the fresh spinach leaves and chopped basil to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take just a minute or two. This last-minute addition ensures the greens maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.

Nutritional Information

I’ve analyzed this recipe to provide you with the approximate nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):

Recipe Variations to Try

One of the things I love most about this soup is how versatile it can be. Here are some delicious variations I’ve experimented with:

Dairy-Free Option

For those who are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The result is still creamy and flavorful, just with a slightly different profile.

Vegetable-Forward Version

Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture. I particularly love adding quartered artichoke hearts which complement the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

Spicy Kick

If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add a diced jalapeño or two when sautéing the onions. The extra spice adds a wonderful dimension that contrasts nicely with the creamy base.

Herby Twist

Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, sage, or tarragon. Fresh herbs added at the end make a world of difference to the final flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In my many iterations of perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned a few important lessons:

1. Don’t rush the base flavors – Taking time to properly sauté the onions, carrots, and celery creates a foundation of flavor that cannot be added later.
2. Avoid boiling after adding cream – Once you’ve added the cream mixture, keep the soup at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause the cream to separate and give the soup a grainy texture.
3. Don’t overcook the chicken – Chicken breasts can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Remove them from the broth as soon as they reach 165°F.
4. Be careful with salt – Between the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, this soup already contains quite a bit of sodium. Taste before adding additional salt.
5. Don’t skip the acid – The lemon juice might seem like a minor ingredient, but it’s crucial for balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Marry Me Chicken Soup actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop further. Here’s how I store and reheat leftovers:

Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Freezing Notes

If you plan to freeze the soup, I recommend doing so before adding the cream, spinach, and fresh herbs. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop and add the cream and fresh elements.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing the soup to a full boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

To create a memorable meal experience, I like to serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup with:

• Warm crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Roasted garlic bulbs that guests can squeeze into their soup or spread on bread
• A sprinkle of additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top

For a more substantial meal, consider serving smaller portions of the soup as a starter course followed by a light main dish like a fresh pasta with olive oil and herbs or a simple roasted fish.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in the thoughtful combination of techniques and ingredients that build layers of flavor:

1. Building a flavor base with properly sautéed aromatics creates the foundation.
2. Poaching the chicken directly in the broth infuses it with flavor while also enriching the broth.
3. Using sun-dried tomatoes provides intense umami and sweet-tart notes that regular tomatoes can’t match.
4. Creating a balanced spice blend with dried herbs creates depth while fresh herbs added at the end provide brightness.
5. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luxurious mouthfeel without making the soup overly heavy.
6. Adding acid from lemon juice cuts through the richness and brightens all the other flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken when you would normally return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce the broth by about 1 cup since you won’t be poaching chicken in it.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter in calories?

Absolutely. You can substitute half and half for the heavy cream or even use evaporated milk for a lighter version. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables and reduce the amount of chicken for a lower-calorie soup that’s still satisfying.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For a slow cooker: Add all ingredients except cream, spinach, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Cook on low for 6 hours. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot. Stir in cream, Parmesan, spinach, and fresh herbs during the last 30 minutes.

For Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the aromatics, then add remaining ingredients except cream, spinach, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Pressure cook for 12 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot. Stir in remaining ingredients using the sauté function just until heated through.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don’t have any?

While sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique flavor, you could substitute roasted red peppers or even a tablespoon of tomato paste plus a teaspoon of honey to approximate the sweet-tart intensity.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this slurry to the soup after it’s been simmering for a while.

What’s the best way to reheat this soup without the cream separating?

Reheat it slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and don’t allow it to come to a boil. If you’re concerned about separation, you can also reheat it in a double boiler for the gentlest warming.

The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken

The original Marry Me Chicken dish gained popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok around 2019-2020. It features chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with similar flavors to what we’re using in our soup version.

The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious that serving it to your significant other might prompt a marriage proposal on the spot! While that might be a stretch, there’s no denying the combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs creates something truly special.

By transforming these flavors into a soup, I’ve created something that maintains all the charm of the original but in a form that’s perfect for colder weather and gatherings where you need to serve a crowd. Plus, the soup version allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers on all fronts – it’s creamy, hearty, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this soup as much as I do. And who knows? Maybe it really will inspire a proposal… or at least requests for the recipe!