Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Creamy, Flavorful Dish That Wins Hearts

There’s a reason it’s called Marry Me Chicken Soup—because it’s so comforting, flavorful, and downright delicious that it might just inspire a proposal! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly weekend when I wanted the rich flavor of Marry Me Chicken, but in a soup form—something creamy, cozy, and spoonable. I experimented a few times in my kitchen, adjusting seasonings, playing with textures, and fine-tuning the creamy base until I landed on what I now call the ultimate comfort food in a bowl.

This soup brings together everything I love in a meal: juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a luscious, creamy broth that soaks up beautifully into every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal I love making for a quiet dinner at home, a family gathering, or even a romantic night in. Whether you’re already a fan of the viral Marry Me Chicken or you’re just looking for a new soup to warm your soul, this one is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-Creamy and Flavorful: A velvety broth that’s bursting with garlic, parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes
• Chicken Thighs = Juicy Goodness: Perfectly tender and flavorful meat in every bite.
• Ready in Under an Hour: Weeknight-friendly but elegant enough for entertaining.
• One Pot Meal: Less cleanup, more comfort.
• Easily Customizable: Great for keto, gluten-free, or dairy-free variations.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. I’ve included notes on substitutions and additions so you can make it your own.

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For browning the chicken and building flavor.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds depth and sweetness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that Marry Me flavor.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a gentle kick; adjust to taste.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped – Rich, tangy, and a signature flavor in the classic Marry Me dish.
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 5 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium if preferred.
• 1 cup heavy cream – For a creamy, luxurious texture.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – Adds umami and a salty depth.
• 2 cups baby spinach – Optional, but great for color and nutrition.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• Pasta or rice – Add cooked orzo or wild rice for a heartier soup.
• Chopped carrots or celery – For a more classic soup feel.
• Fresh basil – Garnish for extra aroma and brightness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)

This soup is simple to make, but technique matters for maximum flavor. Here’s exactly how to do it:

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side). No need to cook them through at this stage—they’ll finish cooking in the soup.

Why this matters: Searing locks in flavor and gives your broth a rich base.

Remove chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté diced onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown—it can turn bitter. Keep the heat moderate.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and deglaze the pot with a splash of broth. Scrape up those browned bits—that’s flavor gold! Then pour in the rest of the broth.

4. Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fork-tender.

5. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks, and return the meat to the pot.

Pro Tip: Want ultra-shredded chicken? Use a hand mixer on low speed!

6. Add Cream and Cheese

Lower heat. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

7. Finish with Spinach

Add spinach and simmer for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Use chicken thighs over breasts for richer flavor and better texture in soups.
• Sear your chicken first to develop layers of flavor in the broth.
• Grate your own parmesan – Pre-shredded versions don’t melt as well and can make the broth gritty.
• Don’t boil after adding cream – High heat can cause curdling.
• Add acid if needed – A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the final dish if it tastes too rich.

Variations & Substitutions

This soup is versatile and easy to customize:

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer and skip the cheese, or use vegan Parm.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip any added rice or pasta. Use cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini for bulk.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your broth and parmesan.
• With Pasta: Stir in cooked tortellini or orzo for a heartier option.
• Add Veggies: Mushrooms, kale, or roasted red peppers make delicious additions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Marry Me Chicken Soup with:

• Crusty bread or garlic knots, Perfect for dipping in that creamy broth.
• Simple green salad is A refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• White wine or sparkling water complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
• Romantic dinner night. Light a few candles and call it a date night!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the cream for best texture (add it after reheating). Soup base freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed. Avoid boiling once the cream is added.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier during simmering. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Is Marry Me Chicken Soup spicy?
It has a slight warmth from the crimson pepper flakes. Feel free to reduce or omit them if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better day after tomorrow as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

What’s the high-quality pot to apply for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven works best for even cooking and flavor development, but any large soup pot will work.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too skinny?
Simmer it uncovered a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Note: Nutrition info will vary based on exact ingredients used.

If you’re looking for a soup that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Soup might just be your new favorite. It’s warm and soulful—perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or romantic dinners. I love hearing how readers make this recipe their own, so if you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with someone you love.