When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to a warm, hearty bowl of chicken soup. If you’re looking to impress someone special (or just warm your own heart), Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect recipe. Infused with love and flavor, this soup is sure to make anyone fall head over heels. Here’s how to make it.
What Makes It “Marry Me”?
The name “Marry Me Chicken Soup” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs, making it an unforgettable meal. Each spoonful is packed with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy dinner date or family gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Create the Soup Base
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Shred the Chicken
While the soup base is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the spinach. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy texture, combined with the tender chicken and fresh herbs, creates a dish that’s rich in flavor and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to bring everyone together.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe that will warm your heart and possibly win over someone special, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup. This bowlful of pure love is simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Try it out for yourself, and who knows? You might just get that proposal!
Certainly! Here are some Serving and Storage Tips for your Marry Me Chicken Soup to help you enjoy it at its best.
Serving Tips
- Garnish for Flavor: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
- Pair with Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or buttery rolls. This complements the soup perfectly and provides a delightful way to soak up every drop.
- Accompanying Sides: For a heartier meal, consider pairing the soup with a simple side salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens salad, to balance the creaminess of the soup.
- Temperature: Serve the soup hot, as the warmth enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience. Use warm bowls to keep the soup hot longer.
- Personal Touch: Customize your serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness or a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat, depending on your guests’ preferences.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Avoid Reheating Multiple Times: For the best quality, reheat only the portion you plan to consume. Frequent reheating can affect the flavor and texture of the soup.
- Check for Freshness: Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture, before consuming leftovers.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Soup to its fullest potential while keeping it fresh and delicious!
- Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and add flavor to your Marry Me Chicken Soup. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot when you would normally add the cooked chicken breasts.
- Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
- Yes! To make the soup lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional content without sacrificing flavor.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can! To make Marry Me Chicken Soup in a slow cooker, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the chicken, chicken broth, herbs, and any vegetables you like. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and spinach before serving.
- What can I do if the soup is too thick?
- If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a little chicken broth, water, or even milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir well and heat through before serving.
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love
Description:
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup filled with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a comforting bowl of pure love and warmth, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a bit of comfort. This soup is so good, you just might fall in love at first bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring in the Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach, letting it cook until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread or rolls.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, then add to the pot before simmering.
- If you prefer a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute kale for spinach if desired, adding it a bit earlier so it can soften.