Warm, creamy, and utterly irresistible, this Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms the viral TikTok favorite into a comforting bowl of pure bliss. The rich sun-dried tomato broth carries notes of garlic and Italian herbs, while tender chicken and a silky cream finish create a soup that’s truly proposal-worthy. Whether you’re battling winter chills or simply craving something soul-satisfying, this elevated chicken soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every spoonful. You’ll learn how to build layers of flavor that make this Marry Me Chicken Soup completely impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Soup takes everything wonderful about the famous skillet dish and transforms it into a cozy, spoonable delight. The soup features a perfect balance of rich and tangy flavors, with sun-dried tomatoes providing concentrated bursts of sweetness against the savory chicken broth backdrop. The velvety texture comes from heavy cream that’s perfectly balanced—not too heavy, yet indulgently rich enough to make each bite feel special.
What makes this recipe truly exceptional is how approachable it is despite its impressive flavor profile. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The soup comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as each ingredient builds upon the last. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress without stress, this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe delivers on its promise to win hearts through stomachs.
Ingredients
For this show-stopping Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
The sun-dried tomatoes are the star ingredient here—they provide that distinctive tangy-sweet flavor that makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so memorable. Opt for oil-packed varieties for the richest flavor. For the chicken, thighs are preferred over breasts as they remain tender throughout cooking and provide deeper flavor to the broth.
Pro Tips
Build Flavor Gradually: The secret to outstanding Marry Me Chicken Soup is layering flavors. Begin by properly browning the chicken pieces—don’t rush this step! Allow them to develop a golden crust before removing them from the pot. This creates fond (those browned bits on the bottom) that becomes the flavor foundation for your entire soup.
Mind Your Heat When Adding Cream: When incorporating the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low and pour it in slowly while stirring constantly. This prevents the cream from breaking or curdling. If you see any signs of separation, immediately remove from heat and whisk vigorously until smooth before continuing.
Rest Before Serving: Allow your Marry Me Chicken Soup to rest off-heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. This isn’t just about temperature—this resting period allows the flavors to fully meld together and the soup to reach its perfect consistency. The difference between good soup and great soup often comes down to this simple patience at the finish line.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil without overcrowding (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux that will help thicken your Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Step 4: Create the Broth
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
Step 5: Finish and Enrich
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer (never boil) for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in most of the fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish. Ladle the hot Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls, top with additional Parmesan and the reserved herbs. Serve immediately with crusty bread for the perfect meal that just might inspire a proposal!
Variations
Creamy Marry Me Tortellini Soup: Transform this Marry Me Chicken Soup into a heartier meal by adding 2 cups of cheese tortellini during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The pasta pockets soak up the delicious flavors while adding a satisfying chewiness that makes this variation especially popular for family dinners.
Dairy-Free Option: Create a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. While the flavor profile shifts slightly toward the tropical, the richness and body remain intact, making this an excellent option for those with dairy restrictions who still want to experience the comfort of Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Vegetable-Packed Version: Boost the nutritional value by adding 2 cups of baby spinach and 1 cup of diced red bell peppers in the final minutes of cooking. The vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients without compromising the signature flavor that makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup so special.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
For a complete meal, serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens and bright dressing provide a perfect contrast to the creamy soup. Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia makes an ideal accompaniment for sopping up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in warmed bowls and finish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a twist of fresh black pepper, and a few small basil leaves. This restaurant-style touch elevates the Marry Me Chicken Soup for special occasions or date nights at home.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the simmering time to about 8-10 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry. Thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness in this Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Soup”?
The original Marry Me Chicken earned its name because it’s so delicious that serving it might inspire a marriage proposal! This soup version carries the same irresistible flavors that made the original dish famous on social media.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, make it without the cream and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the cream fresh to prevent any separation issues.
How can I make this soup thicker?
For a thicker Marry Me Chicken Soup, increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or reduce an extra cup of broth by simmering uncovered for longer before adding the cream.
Is there a way to make this spicier?
Absolutely! Double the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the onions for a more pronounced heat that complements the creamy base of the soup.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, aromatic blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs swimming in a creamy broth that warms both body and soul. It’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary weeknights into special occasions and makes everyone at your table feel truly cherished. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this soup delivers on its promise of being absolutely irresistible. So ladle up a bowl, grab a piece of crusty bread, and savor every spoonful of this proposal-worthy creation.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Description
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup might just earn you a proposal – it’s that irresistible with its sun-dried tomato magic and velvety finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to pot.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in most of the herbs. Serve hot, garnished with remaining herbs and extra Parmesan.