When the days grow shorter, leaves turn golden, and there’s a crisp bite in the air, nothing feels more inviting than a warm, creamy soup simmering on the stove. This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe delivers exactly that feeling — a rich, velvety broth, tender shredded chicken, bursts of sun-dried tomato tang, and just the right amount of herbs to make your kitchen smell like pure comfort.
It’s inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish, known for being so delicious it might just make someone propose on the spot. This soup takes those same indulgent flavors and transforms them into a spoonable, cozy classic perfect for fall evenings, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests without the stress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
- One Pot, Big Flavor – Minimal cleanup, maximum taste.
- Beginner Friendly – Clear, easy-to-follow steps that anyone can make.
- Rich Yet Light – Creamy texture without feeling heavy.
- Versatile – Simple swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra-spicy versions.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich, creamy, and flavorful soup inspired by the viral ‘Marry Me Chicken’ — tender shredded chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a velvety broth perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan shavings for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread or garlic toast (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add sun-dried tomatoes and shredded chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do not boil after adding cream.
- Ladle into bowls. Garnish with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan. Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts, shredded (rotisserie works well)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan shavings
- Crusty bread or garlic toast on the side
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic & Herbs
Stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
3. Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and shredded chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep the soup silky.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Freshly Grated Parmesan – Melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded.
- Low Heat for Cream – Keeps the texture velvety and prevents curdling.
- Chicken Shortcut – Rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust Thickness – Add more broth for a lighter soup or simmer longer for a thicker texture.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free – This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth is certified gluten-free. Serve with GF bread or biscuits.
- Dairy-Free – Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese.
- Extra Veggies – Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Autumn Twist – Add roasted butternut squash cubes for a sweet, seasonal note.
- Spicy Kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove.
- Freezer – Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it for easy lunches all week.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a comforting meal — it’s a way to bring people together. It’s the soup you serve on a blustery night, the one that makes your kitchen smell heavenly, and the one that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, but elegant enough for special occasions. Pair it with crusty bread, a crisp salad, or even a roasted vegetable side, and you have a complete meal that warms the soul.
So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let this soup work its magic. One spoonful, and you might just understand how it got its name.