Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is my cozy, heartwarming take on the beloved Marry Me Chicken dish—turned into a soul-soothing soup. With tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a luxuriously creamy broth, this soup is so flavorful and comforting, it just might inspire proposals at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this soup because it takes everything I enjoy about Marry Me Chicken—the creaminess, the flavor, the bold seasoning—and turns it into a warm, spoonable meal. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for chilly days or whenever I want something that feels indulgent without being heavy. It also comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic, minced
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Onion, finely chopped
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream or half-and-half
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Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Italian seasoning
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Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
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Optional: spinach, small pasta, or gnocchi for heartier texture
directions
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In a large pot, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. I add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), letting the flavors bloom.
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I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
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I add the shredded chicken and cook for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors come together.
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I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer until thickened slightly—about 5 minutes.
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I season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in fresh spinach or herbs just before serving.
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I ladle it into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if I have it on hand.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in under 40 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add a handful of pasta (like orzo or ditalini), or use gnocchi for a twist on chicken and dumplings. I’ve also swapped the cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version—it adds a unique flavor that works surprisingly well. For extra depth, I throw in a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens in the fridge, I just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. I don’t recommend freezing it if using heavy cream, as the texture can change, but it works fine if I leave the cream out until reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this soup and saves a lot of time. I shred it and add it after the broth comes to a simmer.
Is it spicy?
Not unless I add red pepper flakes. I start with a pinch and adjust to my taste—it gives just the right hint of warmth without overpowering the creamy base.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, I’ve used coconut milk or a cashew cream blend in place of heavy cream and skipped the cheese, or used a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
The Parmesan and cream naturally thicken the broth, but if I want it even creamier, I mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in before simmering.
What should I serve with this soup?
I love it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. It’s also great served over rice or with warm naan for soaking up the creamy broth.
Conclusion
Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything I want in a cozy meal—savory, creamy, full of flavor, and easy to make in one pot. It’s the kind of soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even though it comes together quickly. Whether I’m cooking for someone special or just treating myself, this soup never fails to impress.
Print
Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy, creamy soup inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken—featuring shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan in a rich, comforting broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1–2 cups fresh spinach, or 1/2 cup small pasta or gnocchi
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add shredded chicken and cook for 5–10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in spinach or pasta/gnocchi if using, and cook until heated through or wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a splash of white wine before broth for extra depth.
- Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg