Alright, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to share a recipe that’s not just soup – it’s a declaration of love in a bowl! I’m talking about Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Forget everything you think you know about chicken soup, because this is a flavor fiesta! Imagine creamy Tuscan chicken soup, but with even MORE personality – that’s what we’re diving into.
I knew I had to create my own version after trying a friend’s take on the original Marry Me Chicken. It was good, but it needed that Cuba Queen twist! I knew I could make it something truly unforgettable, a creamy Tuscan chicken soup masterpiece.
My goal? To pack an outrageous amount of flavor into every single spoonful. This Marry Me Chicken Soup is going to blow your mind, and I’m so pumped to share the secrets. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor playground!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Marry Me Chicken Soup ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking quality over quantity here, flavor adventurers.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: The base for all that flavor. Don’t skimp!
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs have more flavor than breasts – trust me on this one.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained: This is where the magic happens! I use the kind packed in oil for extra flavor. You can find great quality sun-dried tomatoes at most Italian delis.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to complement the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Adds a little kick – adjust to your preference.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use good quality broth – it makes a difference!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it luxuriously creamy. Don’t even THINK about using milk!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds freshness and vibrancy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is KEY.
Here’s the Marry Me Chicken Soup game-changer that will blow your mind: using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes instead of dry. The oil adds SO much extra flavor! You can find them in most grocery stores, usually near the olives and pickles.
Don’t have fresh basil? Dried basil will work in a pinch, but trust me, the fresh basil at the end really elevates the Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Splurge on the Parmesan cheese! Pre-grated Parmesan just doesn’t have the same flavor.
For a budget-friendly alternative, use bone-in chicken thighs – just remove the bones after cooking.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get cooking! Don’t stress – your Marry Me Chicken Soup is going to be incredible.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden brown. This is where you build that deep flavor – don’t rush it! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Don’t let it brown too much!
- Add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This is where the aroma starts to build, and your Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms into pure magic!
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those browned bits are packed with flavor, so don’t leave them behind!
- Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Pro tip for Marry Me Chicken Soup perfection: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed – don’t be afraid to add more salt if it needs it!
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
- Taste one last time, because sometimes the soup need more salt!
Here’s where most people mess up their Marry Me Chicken Soup – they don’t sear the chicken properly! Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for building flavor.
In my kitchen, this Marry Me Chicken Soup takes exactly 45 minutes from start to finish.
While your Marry Me Chicken Soup is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
PRESENTATION:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup at dinner parties! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ladle the Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a little olive oil over the top.
Serve with crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up all that delicious creamy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want every last drop!
This Marry Me Chicken Soup absolutely slays at cozy nights in, or even casual get togethers. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Marry Me Chicken – Little Sunny Kitchen!
Pair this soup with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity cuts through the richness of the soup.
For a lighter meal, serve with a simple side salad. The fresh greens balance out the richness of the soup.
Got leftovers? This Marry Me Chicken Soup is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Transform those leftovers into a creamy pasta sauce! Just toss the soup with cooked pasta and you’ve got a whole new meal.
For a seasonal variation, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the Marry Me Chicken Soup in the fall.
FAQs:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s tackle some common questions! I’ve been making this Marry Me Chicken Soup for years, so I’ve got you covered.
- Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup spicier? Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup.
- What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes for my Marry Me Chicken Soup? You can substitute with fresh tomatoes, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense. Roast them in the oven first to concentrate the flavor.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Marry Me Chicken Soup? Yes, but the soup won’t be as flavorful. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
- Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Sear the chicken first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- How do I know when my Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfectly done? The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork. The soup should be creamy and flavorful.
- Can I add vegetables to this Marry Me Chicken Soup? Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
- Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free? You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- What should I serve with this Marry Me Chicken Soup? Crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches are all great options.
- My Marry Me Chicken Soup is too thick. What should I do? Add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- My Marry Me Chicken Soup is too thin. How can I thicken it? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup.
I’ve had flavor adventurers tell me the Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect way to warm you up on a cold winters day!
CONCLUSION:
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a whole lot of love! It’s a celebration in a bowl, a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
Here are My Marry Me Chicken Soup Power Tips:
- Don’t skip the searing! This is crucial for building flavor.
- Use good quality ingredients! It makes a difference.
- Season to taste! Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Here are a few Marry Me Chicken Soup variations I’ve created and loved:
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Marry Me Chicken Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes and more fresh basil.
- Marry Me Chicken Soup with Tortellini: Add cooked cheese tortellini to the soup for a heartier meal.
The Creamy Tomato Basil Marry Me Chicken Soup version always gets the biggest reactions!
I’m confident that you’re going to rock this Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely amazing. I think it is better than the classic Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!
Make this Marry Me Chicken Soup your signature dish, the one everyone asks you to bring to parties. Whip up some Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe while you are at it for more great meals!
Go forth, flavor adventurers, and create some Marry Me Chicken Soup memories! Don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! If you like this recipe, you will have to try this Chicken Pot Pie Soup!
I cannot wait to see what you cook up, get started now!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
This creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting twist on the classic dish. It’s packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese in a rich broth that’s sure to impress your loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil (if using) and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.