Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes win hearts as quickly as Marry Me Chicken Soup. This creamy twist on the classic chicken dish takes all the rich, savory flavors of the original “Marry Me Chicken” recipe and turns them into a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Imagine tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream blending together for a meal that feels both indulgent and cozy. It’s no wonder this recipe is gaining attention as the perfect family dinner or date-night dish. If you’re a fan of soul-satisfying creamy chicken recipes, learn more about creamy chicken recipes for even more delicious inspiration.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about Marry Me Chicken Soup — from ingredients and cooking methods to variations and side dish pairings. We’ll even cover its origin story, nutrition details, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Origin of the name “Marry Me Chicken”
The story of Marry Me Chicken starts with a skillet dish that became famous for its irresistible flavor. Legend has it that the recipe was so good, anyone who tasted it would want to propose to the cook. This playful name stuck, and over time, the dish evolved into different forms — one of the most popular being the creamy soup version.
How the soup version became popular
Turning the beloved Marry Me Chicken into a soup was a natural next step. Food lovers wanted the same comforting taste but in a heartier, spoon-friendly format. By adding chicken broth, cream, and vegetables, home cooks created a dish that is not only rich and flavorful but also easier to serve in larger gatherings. The soup is now a trending comfort food, especially during colder months.
Differences between chicken soup and traditional Marry Me Chicken dish
While both recipes share the same key ingredients — chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream — the textures are different. The original dish is more of a creamy skillet chicken served with pasta or rice, whereas the soup adds broth to create a lighter consistency. Still, both versions have the same irresistible balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors that make them unforgettable.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup – A Creamy, Irresistible Recipe You’ll Love
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and comforting dish made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pasta, rice, spinach, mushrooms
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté aromatics – Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Step 2: Cook chicken – Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Step 3: Add broth and tomatoes – Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pour in chicken broth. Simmer gently.
- Step 4: Add cream – Reduce heat and add heavy cream. Let cook until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Serve – Serve hot with bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
You can customize this soup with pasta, rice, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: marry me chicken soup, creamy chicken soup recipe, chicken soup with sun dried tomatoes
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Core ingredients: chicken, cream, broth, garlic, Italian seasoning
At the heart of Marry Me Chicken Soup are simple but powerful ingredients. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best since they stay tender after simmering. A creamy base made with chicken broth and heavy cream gives the soup its rich texture. Garlic, Italian herbs, and onion deepen the flavor, making every spoonful warm and satisfying.
Sun-dried tomatoes as the secret flavor booster
One ingredient you can’t skip is sun-dried tomatoes. These little gems pack a punch of sweet and tangy flavor that balances the richness of cream and chicken. They also add a rustic, slightly chewy texture that keeps the soup interesting. Without them, the soup simply wouldn’t have that signature Marry Me taste.
Optional add-ins: pasta, rice, spinach, mushrooms
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can add pasta shells or orzo to make it heartier, stir in rice for extra comfort, or toss in spinach for freshness. Mushrooms are another excellent addition if you want more depth and earthiness. These variations make the soup customizable for different tastes and occasions.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparation of chicken and vegetables
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes or shredding it if you prefer. Chop onions, mince garlic, and prepare your sun-dried tomatoes. Prepping everything before cooking makes the process smoother and quicker.
Cooking method for stovetop version
In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Once lightly browned, stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Next, pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, add cream, and let it cook until the soup thickens slightly.
Tips for thick, creamy consistency
If you like a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry before stirring in the cream. For extra creaminess, you can also use half-and-half mixed with heavy cream. Always stir gently to prevent curdling and taste-test before serving to adjust seasonings.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Crockpot Method
Slow cooking benefits
Using a crockpot to make Marry Me Chicken Soup brings out incredible depth of flavor. The slow simmer allows chicken to become fall-apart tender while the spices and sun-dried tomatoes meld beautifully into the broth. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it method that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Adjusting cream and seasonings for crockpot
Since crockpots retain more liquid than stovetop cooking, you’ll want to reduce the broth slightly for a thicker soup. Add cream toward the end of cooking to prevent separation. Adjust seasonings before serving — slow cooking can mellow herbs, so you may need a little extra Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
Cooking times and temperature tips
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. If adding pasta or rice, stir it in about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time to avoid mushy textures. Spinach or mushrooms should also be added in the last 20 minutes for best results.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Soup
Dairy-free or lighter versions
If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk or almond milk makes a great substitute for heavy cream. To keep it lighter, try using Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. These swaps still give a creamy texture while reducing calories and fat.
Spicy kick: adding chili flakes or jalapeños
For those who love heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or dice fresh jalapeños. This adds a bold, fiery layer to the creamy base without overpowering the signature Marry Me flavors.
Keto and low-carb adaptations
Skip pasta or rice and instead load the soup with extra vegetables like zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spinach. This keeps carbs low while still giving you a filling and flavorful dish. The creamy broth pairs beautifully with these substitutions.
What Goes With Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Best side dishes: bread, salad, roasted veggies
A creamy, rich soup like this pairs best with something that balances its flavors. Warm crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the broth. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to the meal, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots bring earthy sweetness.
Perfect wine pairings
If you’d like a wine with your soup, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works well without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Serving ideas for family dinners or special occasions
This soup can be dressed up or kept casual. Serve it in rustic bowls with fresh parsley for a cozy family dinner, or in smaller portions as a starter for a more formal gathering. It’s versatile enough for weeknight meals and special occasions alike. Don’t miss our easy chicken soup ideas to find more serving inspiration.
Nutritional Facts & Calories
Calories and macronutrient breakdown
A typical serving of Marry Me Chicken Soup has about 320–380 calories, depending on whether you use heavy cream, light cream, or substitutes. On average, one bowl of creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup provides:
- Protein: 28–32 grams
- Fat: 18–22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8–12 grams
Is it healthy? Pros and cons
On the plus side, Marry Me Chicken Soup is high in protein, creamy enough to feel indulgent, and filling enough to serve as a full meal. It’s a flavorful comfort food that balances hearty chicken with tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The main drawback is its fat content, especially when prepared with heavy cream. A lighter version of Marry Me Chicken Soup can be made with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to cut calories while keeping the creamy texture.
Portion control and serving sizes
For a balanced dinner, one bowl (about 1 ½ cups) of Marry Me Chicken Soup is a smart serving size. Pairing it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables ensures a wholesome meal. If you’re looking for healthier choices, reduce pasta or rice add-ins and focus on extra vegetables. According to nutrition guidelines (see balanced diet on Wikipedia), meals like Marry Me Chicken Soup can fit into a well-rounded weekly menu when served in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marry Me Chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken is made with chicken breasts or thighs, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. These simple ingredients create the rich, tangy flavor that made the dish famous.
What is Marry Me Chicken soup?
Marry Me Chicken soup takes the same ingredients as the skillet dish and transforms them into a comforting bowl of creamy chicken soup. The broth stretches the flavors, making it perfect for cold nights or feeding a crowd.
What goes with Marry Me Chicken soup?
It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables. For drinks, light wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work best.
Why is it called the Marry Me Chicken recipe?
The story goes that the dish was so delicious, anyone who tried it would be ready to propose to the cook. The name caught on because of its playful charm and has stayed ever since.
Where is Marry Me Chicken from?
Marry Me Chicken has Italian-inspired flavors, thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. While not a traditional Italian dish, it was created in the United States and quickly became popular worldwide.
Is Marry Me Chicken a curry?
No, it’s not a curry. While it has a creamy sauce like some curries, it doesn’t use curry powder or typical Indian spices. Instead, it relies on Italian herbs for flavor.
How many calories does Marry Me Chicken have?
The soup version has around 320–380 calories per serving, depending on your ingredients. The skillet version is slightly higher because of the concentrated cream and cheese.
Is there wine in Marry Me Chicken?
Some variations include white wine for depth of flavor, but it’s optional. You can leave it out or swap it with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Conclusion – Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup
Recap of taste, versatility, and comfort factor
Marry Me Chicken Soup combines the creamy richness of the classic dish with the cozy warmth of a soup. It’s versatile, easy to adapt, and packed with bold yet comforting flavors.
Final serving suggestions
Whether you’re making it on the stovetop or in a crockpot, this recipe delivers every time. Serve it with fresh bread, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. It’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.
Check out chicken dinner ideas to keep your weekly menu full of flavor and variety.