Marry Me Chicken Soup

This marry me chicken soup recipe is creamy, comforting, and flavorful. It’s the perfect dish to impress your loved ones.

What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Marry me chicken soup is a spin-off of the popular “marry me chicken” dish. Indeed, both are known for their rich, creamy tomato and parmesan flavors. In this soup, the same flavors are combined with chicken and broth to create a comforting and satisfying meal. For example, it’s perfect for a cozy night in. This creamy soup became popular because it is supposedly so delicious, the person you cook it for will want to marry you! Because of its rich flavor, marry me chicken soup will become a favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works for several reasons. First, the use of simple ingredients makes it easy to prepare. Moreover, the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and heavy cream creates a rich, unforgettable flavor. Additionally, using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces adds depth to the broth. Therefore, the soup is flavorful. For instance, the heavy cream adds a luxurious texture. Finally, the soup is easily customizable.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make marry me chicken soup:

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs or drumsticks)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 8 oz egg noodles (optional)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step

Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of marry me chicken soup:

1. Sear the Chicken: First, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Next, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Subsequently, sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown. Afterward, remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. After that, cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Afterwards, return the chicken pieces to the pot. Indeed, ensure they are submerged in the broth.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. For example, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Next, shred the chicken using two forks. After that, discard the skin and bones.
6. Add Cream and Parmesan: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Then, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Moreover, stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Next, stir in the chopped fresh basil and spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach is wilted. Furthermore, add cooked egg noodles if desired. Finally, serve hot and enjoy your delicious marry me chicken soup!

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

To make the best marry me chicken soup, consider these helpful tips:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Firstly, using good chicken broth and parmesan cheese makes a big difference.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Secondly, searing the chicken adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Indeed, it creates a rich base.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process. Accordingly, adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Fresh Herbs: Finally, use fresh basil for the best flavor.

Variations of Marry Me Chicken Soup

There are many ways to customize marry me chicken soup. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Version: To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. In addition, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetable-Packed: Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. For example, this adds more nutrients.
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Leave out the chicken to make a rich creamy tomato soup. Furthermore, this soup is delicious on its own.
• Add Pasta: Incorporate pasta such as penne or rotini.
• Low carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles.

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry me chicken soup is satisfying on its own. However, here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• A refreshing salad goes well.
• Serve with crackers

Storing Marry Me Chicken Soup

To store marry me chicken soup:

• Refrigerate: First, let the soup cool completely. Next, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Then, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Finally, stir occasionally until heated through.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely. After that, store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Subsequently, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Therefore, when ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Ingredient Deep Dive: The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor

Because the flavor of marry me chicken soup is so important, let’s dive into the roles each ingredient plays. For example, understanding these elements can elevate your cooking.

• Chicken: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken is key. Furthermore, the bones add richness to the broth. Therefore, the skin adds fat and flavor during searing.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes provide a concentrated tomato flavor. In addition, their slightly sweet and tangy taste complements the creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: High-quality parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. Because of this, it melts beautifully into the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream contributes a velvety texture and rich flavor. Moreover, it balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil: Basil provides a fresh, aromatic element. Specifically, it brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Garlic is essential for adding a pungent, savory note. Subsequently, it enhances the other ingredients.

Making It Your Own: Tweaking the Recipe

One of the best things about marry me chicken soup is its adaptability. Moreover, you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Consider these ideas:

• Add Wine: A splash of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, can add complexity. For instance, add it after sautéing the vegetables.
• Use Different Cheeses: Besides parmesan, consider using Asiago or Pecorino Romano. Because of their distinct flavors, they offer new dimensions.
• Incorporate Greens: Kale or Swiss chard are great additions. Further, they provide nutrients and texture.
• Spice It Up: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can add depth. Indeed, it enhances the warmth.
• Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Moreover, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

The History and Allure of “Marry Me” Dishes

The phenomenon of “marry me” dishes extends beyond just chicken and soup. Consequently, there’s a certain charm and allure associated with recipes that promise such a romantic outcome. While the origins are often anecdotal and vary across different dishes, the underlying theme remains the same: food so delicious, it inspires commitment. Another “marry me” dish might include pasta or seafood.

Exploring the Psychology

Why do these dishes capture our imagination? For example, food is deeply connected to emotion and memory. Moreover, a meal can be an expression of love and care. Additionally, the promise of a dish being exceptionally delicious creates anticipation and excitement. Furthermore, the name itself plays a role, adding a touch of whimsy and romance. Therefore, when someone prepares “marry me chicken soup,” they’re not just cooking; they’re creating an experience. As a result, the act of sharing such a meal can strengthen bonds and create memorable moments. This is all because of the flavors that compliment each other.

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup in a Slow Cooker

The versatility of marry me chicken soup extends to different cooking methods. For example, a slow cooker is a fantastic option for a hands-off approach.

1. Sear the Chicken: First, sear the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat. Subsequently, this step enhances flavor. After that, place the seared chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Next, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Indeed, the chicken should be cooked through and tender.
4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
5. Add Cream and Parmesan: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. After that, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil and spinach. Then, serve hot.

Healthier Marry Me Chicken Soup Options

While marry me chicken soup is indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit healthier. Consider these modifications:

• Use Low Fat Cream: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low fat cream cheese. However, this will slightly alter the texture.
• Add More Vegetables: Load up on vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach. Because of this, it adds nutrients and fiber.
• Use Lean Chicken: Opt for lean chicken breast instead of bone-in, skin-on pieces. Although, this reduces the richness of the broth. Therefore, season accordingly.
• Reduce Parmesan: Use less parmesan cheese or substitute with a lower fat cheese.
• Skip the Noodles: Omit the egg noodles or use whole grain pasta for added fiber.
• Healthier base: Use a Bone Broth to have even more benefits!

Focus on Sourcing High-Quality Ingredients

Another way to enhance the health factor is to focus on the quality of your ingredients.

• Organic Chicken: Opt for organic, free-range chicken for a more nutritious and ethical choice.
• Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• High-Quality Parmesan: Choose aged parmesan cheese for a richer flavor. Therefore, you can use less.

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup Ideas

Don’t let any leftover marry me chicken soup go to waste! Here are a few creative ideas:

• Chicken and Soup Casserole: Combine the leftover soup with cooked rice or pasta and bake in a casserole dish. Then, top with breadcrumbs and cheese.
• Chicken Soup Pasta Sauce: Use the soup as a base for a creamy pasta sauce. Moreover, add extra tomatoes and herbs.
• Chicken Soup Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of soup, rice, and cheese. Then, bake until tender.
• Chicken Soup Grilled Cheese: Spread the soup on bread slices and make a grilled cheese sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is it called “marry me soup“?

The name “marry me soup” comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it will prompt a marriage proposal. For example, the creamy and flavorful nature of the soup is thought to be irresistible.

What is marry me chicken soup?

Marry me chicken soup is a creamy chicken soup inspired by “marry me chicken.” Because of its base in tomato, parmesan, and heavy cream, it has a delicious flavor. This soup is a satisfying and rich meal.

Why do they call it “marry me chicken“?

They call it “marry me chicken” because it’s said that whoever eats the dish will be so impressed they’ll propose marriage. Indeed, the flavors are thought to be irresistible.

Are the chicken soup stories true?

Stories about chicken soup causing marriage proposals are mostly anecdotal. Nevertheless, the deliciousness of marry me chicken soup certainly makes it a dish to impress!