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If you are searching for a dish that perfectly blends cozy comfort with a touch of romance, then the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This luscious, silky soup is loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with rich flavor, and a sumptuous creamy broth enriched with Parmesan and herbs. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it an ideal meal to share with someone special or just to treat yourself to something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors in the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. Each item is simple but thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the soup’s rich taste, texture, and appearance, making this dish both impressive and easy to prepare.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; both shred beautifully for the soup.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): These add a deep, tangy sweetness and their infused oil enhances the soup’s richness.
- Onion: Provides a mellow sweetness and acts as a foundational flavor to build upon.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a fragrant, savory punch that brightens the dish.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): A good broth forms the heart of the soup’s flavorful base.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious, velvety texture that elevates the soup to indulgent levels.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a hint for a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Gives a fresh, aromatic finish to the soup’s presentation and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Used to create a smooth roux that thickens the soup to the perfect consistency.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: A healthy green addition that brightens and adds texture without overpowering.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. This step is key for great flavor and browning. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking it through yet—searing builds a depth of flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
Reduce the heat to medium and, if needed, add a little more olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with a spoonful of their flavorful oil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the kitchen is filled with that irresistible garlic aroma. Be sure not to let the garlic burn so the flavors stay bright and balanced.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed mixture and stir continuously for about a minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste while forming the base for a silky thickening agent. The roux will help the soup achieve that dreamy, creamy texture you’re craving.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Slowly pour in your chicken broth while whisking briskly to prevent lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to infuse the broth with herbal warmth and just a gentle hint of heat. Bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to start marrying beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the pot so it’s mostly submerged in the flavorful liquid. Cover with a lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is juicy and cooked through. This process allows the chicken to soak in all those bold flavors while becoming tender enough to shred.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes it easier to enjoy in each spoonful but also helps the meat soak up more delicious broth when you add it back in.
Step 7: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Keep the pot over a gentle simmer and slowly whisk in heavy cream and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the soup transforms into a creamy, luscious masterpiece. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in fresh spinach or kale now and let it wilt for a minute or two to add a pop of color and nutrients.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to fully combine. Let everything warm through for a couple of minutes before ladling your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe into bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley – these small details really elevate the presentation and add fresh vibrancy.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant chopped herbs like basil or parsley add an inviting aroma and visually appealing splash of color. These garnishes brighten each bowl and complement the soup’s creamy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup loves company from a warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the soup, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy touch, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic crockery. You can even drizzle a little basil oil or a swirl of cream on top right before serving to impress your guests visually as well as through taste. It’s perfect for intimate dinners or cozy family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Freezing
The Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe freezes well but keep in mind that the cream may slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months, and be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture if it thickened too much. Avoid boiling to keep the cream silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine for this recipe, especially if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, though the soup won’t be quite as rich and velvety.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sun-dried tomatoes and cream will still provide plenty of flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slowly on the stove, adding a little liquid if needed to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Fresh spinach or kale are great choices and can be stirred in at the end for color and nutrition. You can also add finely diced carrots or celery during sautéing for extra crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe—it comforts your soul while making every meal feel a little more romantic. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or simply craving a creamy, heartwarming soup, this recipe delivers in every way. I can’t wait for you to experience its rich flavors and creamy goodness firsthand. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken simmered in a rich broth with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a velvety finish of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This soup is hearty enough for a meal yet elegant and irresistible, perfect for cozy dinners that impress.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Soup Base
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium and add more olive oil if necessary. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with a spoonful of their oil; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and thicken the base.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, submerged in the liquid. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken and shred using two forks into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Increase heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully combined and the soup is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir to combine, and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier, more flavorful results, but breasts work well too.
- You can substitute kale for spinach or omit greens altogether.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling.
