There’s something extraordinary about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm embrace. It’s creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes — the kind of flavor that reminds you of a creamy Parmesan chicken recipe you’d find at a fancy restaurant. That’s exactly what you get with Marry Me Chicken Soup, a cozy spin on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe that’s been winning hearts one bite at a time.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a soup irresistible — the kind that earns compliments, requests for seconds, and maybe even a marriage proposal — this is it.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
You may already be familiar with Marry Me Chicken — a dish famous for its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s so good, people joke it could lead to a proposal. This soup version takes all those rich, romantic flavors and transforms them into a bowl of pure comfort.
It’s creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, with just the right amount of spice. Each spoonful is packed with tender pieces of chicken swimming in a silky broth that feels both luxurious and homey. Think of it as comfort food with a little extra flair — simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve on date night.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Comfort in Every Spoon
This soup has the power to turn any ordinary evening into something special. The combination of rich cream, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s soothing yet sophisticated.
2. Quick and Simple
Don’t be fooled by how elegant it tastes — this soup is surprisingly easy to make. With one pot, simple ingredients, and about 40 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal ready to serve.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re trying to impress someone special, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy dinner, this soup fits the moment. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with bread or salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this heartwarming soup. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving hits.
Core Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast (or thighs), diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- Baby spinach or kale for extra greens
- Cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup
- Mushrooms or zucchini for added depth
Pro Tip: Use the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes to sauté your chicken. It adds an extra layer of flavor that sets this soup apart.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns golden and is fully cooked through. Remove it from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant — this is where the aroma starts to build.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture cook for a minute to release the oils and deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring it to a simmer and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for another 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil — this keeps the soup silky and smooth.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that final touch.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
- Crusty garlic bread or baguette slices to soak up the creamy broth
- If you love rich and creamy flavors, you’ll also enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta — it’s another cozy dinner that feels special but comes together in minutes.
- A fresh Caesar or arugula salad for contrast
- Roasted vegetables for a wholesome side
Creative Twists
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Top with extra chili flakes for a bit of heat
Storage and Reheating Tips
The beauty of this recipe is how well it stores — it’s perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
To Store
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze
Cool completely before placing in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To Reheat
Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Avoid boiling to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Craving more comforting soups? Try our Loaded Baked Potato Soup next — creamy, cheesy, and just as satisfying on a cold night.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese. It melts better and adds a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. They’re what give this soup its signature tangy richness.
- Adjust the creaminess. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Finish with fresh herbs. They brighten the flavor and make the dish look beautiful.
Variations to Try
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Swap the pasta or rice for pillowy gnocchi — it’s extra cozy and satisfying.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the pasta and load up on vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini.
Dairy-Free Alternative
Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for creaminess without dairy. The flavor stays rich but lighter.
FAQs
What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so special?
It’s the combination of creamy, garlicky broth and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes that creates such an unforgettable flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This soup reheats wonderfully and tastes even better the next day.
What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs both work well — thighs add a bit more richness.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead.
How can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer longer, or add a bit more Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry for extra creaminess.
A Cozy Conclusion
Few things say “comfort” like a creamy bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s rich but not heavy, flavorful yet simple, and feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Whether you’re making it for your family, your partner, or just for yourself, this soup is a reminder that food can be both nourishing and full of love.
So grab your pot, stir up those flavors, and let the magic happen — because when you serve this soup, someone just might fall in love with your cooking.
Try this Marry Me Chicken Soup tonight and see why it’s capturing hearts everywhere. And if you make it, share your version — because love, like good soup, is best when shared. If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, don’t miss our Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls — sweet, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1 cup cooked pasta rice, or gnocchi
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms or zucchini
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Flavor:
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
Simmer the Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer, then add back the cooked chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make It Creamy:
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes — do not boil.
Add Greens (Optional):
- Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
