INTRODUCTION TO MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP
Marry Me Chicken Soup is the cozy, comforting twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe that took the internet by storm. This creamy, flavorful soup blends tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and rich Parmesan cheese in a velvety broth—creating a meal so delicious, it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals. Unlike traditional chicken soup, which leans light and brothy, this version is indulgent and romantic, making it perfect for both cozy nights and special occasions.
Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or looking for a soul-satisfying meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. The balance of savory herbs, creamy texture, and bold tomato richness sets it apart from ordinary soups. It’s also easy to customize with pasta, spinach, or spice, making it a versatile go-to dish that’s as impressive as it is simple to make.

WHY IS IT CALLED ‘MARRY ME’ CHICKEN SOUP?
The name “Marry Me Chicken Soup” comes from the original Marry Me Chicken recipe, a creamy skillet chicken dish so delicious that it jokingly promises a marriage proposal after just one bite. As the trend gained popularity on TikTok and Pinterest, creative cooks adapted the dish into a soup, keeping the core flavors but adding comfort-food warmth.
This soup carries the same creamy, herby, and savory qualities that made the original recipe famous, but in a spoonable, cozy format. The idea is that the flavor is so irresistible, it could sweep someone off their feet. While it’s all in good fun, there’s truth to the hype—Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers a flavor experience that feels indulgent and heartfelt. Whether or not a proposal follows, you’ll definitely earn compliments and second helpings. It’s a dish that tastes like love in a bowl.

INGREDIENTS LIST: WHAT YOU’LL NEED
To make a batch of rich and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The following list covers everything required for the classic version, along with some optional additions for added depth or customization:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs add extra richness.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics form the soup’s flavor base.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A signature ingredient that brings sweetness and depth.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
Heavy Cream: Creates the signature creamy texture. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and umami. Grated fresh is best.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for heat.

Spinach or Kale (Optional): For added nutrition and color.
Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing aromatics.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Optional Add-ins: Pasta (like tortellini or orzo), cooked rice, or gnocchi.

KITCHEN TOOLS & PREP TIPS
Before starting, gather your kitchen essentials to streamline the cooking process. A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot is ideal for even heat distribution. A sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, ladle, and wooden spoon will also come in handy.
For quicker prep, consider using pre-chopped onions and pre-minced garlic, or even rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Shred the cheese fresh for better melting and flavor. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go—this mise en place approach ensures a smooth cooking experience from start to finish.

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

2. Cook the Chicken
Add chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear both sides until lightly browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits for extra flavor.

3. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the rest of the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred.

4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot, stirring well to incorporate.

5. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes (optional), and any extra Italian herbs you like. Let the flavors blend for 5 minutes.

6. Stir in Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the soup is creamy and thickened.

7. Optional Add-ins and Final Simmer
Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted. If using pasta, gnocchi, or rice, stir in cooked portions now and let everything simmer for another 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast. Garnish with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS & ADD-ONS
Marry Me Chicken Soup is versatile and easily customizable to fit different preferences and dietary needs. If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño during the sautéing stage. For a more savory depth, toss in mushrooms or caramelized onions.

To make it heartier, stir in cooked pasta like tortellini, orzo, or even small shells. Gnocchi is another delicious add-on that turns the soup into a filling main course. For a lighter, dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

You can also adapt the soup for slow cooker or Instant Pot cooking. In a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the cream and cheese, cook on low for 6–8 hours, shred the chicken, then stir in cream and cheese at the end. The Instant Pot method follows similar steps but shortens cooking time dramatically.

Adding greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard not only boosts nutrition but adds color and texture. A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the overall flavor without overpowering the richness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: WHAT GOES WITH IT?
This creamy, savory soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. For a classic approach, serve it with crusty artisan bread, warm garlic knots, or toasted sourdough—perfect for soaking up the velvety broth.

A fresh side salad also works well to balance the richness. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, arugula with shaved Parmesan, or a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus can be served alongside for a wholesome addition.

For drinks, a crisp white wine such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the creaminess of the soup. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, iced tea or sparkling water with lemon works just as well. When serving a romantic dinner, consider lighting a candle and adding a glass of wine to elevate the experience. This soup is perfect for everything from casual family meals to cozy date nights.

STORAGE, FREEZING, AND REHEATING TIPS
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup stores well and can be enjoyed for several days. To refrigerate, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

When reheating, avoid boiling the soup to keep the cream from separating. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

To freeze, omit the cream and cheese before storing, as dairy can separate and become grainy once thawed. Freeze the cooled soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding cream and cheese at the end of cooking for a fresh, creamy finish.

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN & DIETARY INFO
Marry Me Chicken Soup is rich and satisfying, and while it leans indulgent, it can be adapted for various diets. A standard serving (about 1.5 cups) contains roughly 350–450 calories, depending on added ingredients like cream, cheese, and pasta.

Each serving typically provides:

Protein: 25–30g (from chicken and Parmesan)
Fat: 20–25g (from cream, cheese, and oil)
Carbohydrates: 10–20g (depending on add-ins like tomatoes or pasta)

To make it low-carb or keto, omit any pasta or starchy vegetables and use heavy cream and extra greens. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace Parmesan with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast.

If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and limit added salt. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale boosts fiber and micronutrients without increasing calories. This soup can fit into various eating styles while still feeling like an indulgent treat.

FAQS: PEOPLE ALSO ASK

What is the origin of Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, originally a skillet dish made with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. The soup version maintains those flavors in a spoonable, cozy format, perfect for colder weather and meal prepping.

Can I make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. For a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except cream and cheese, cook on low for 6–8 hours, shred the chicken, and stir in dairy at the end. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a quick release, then add cream and cheese.

Is this recipe healthy?
While it’s creamy and rich, it can be made healthier by using light cream, reducing cheese, and loading it with vegetables. You can also make it gluten-free or dairy-free with the right substitutions.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Full-fat coconut milk, half-and-half, or cashew cream are good dairy-free alternatives. Greek yogurt (stirred in off-heat) is another lighter option.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding cream and cheese. Add those ingredients when reheating for a smoother texture.

What makes this different from regular chicken soup?
This soup is cream-based and features bold, Italian-inspired flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and herbs—making it far richer and more indulgent than traditional broth-based chicken soup.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS SOUP
Marry Me Chicken Soup combines the heartwarming comfort of chicken soup with the luxurious richness of a creamy Italian dish. Whether you’re serving it to impress someone special or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and cozy appeal. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win over anyone who takes a bite. This isn’t just soup—it’s a love story in a bowl.

Marry Me Chicken Soup

Author: Hamza

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe—turned into a cozy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or romantic dinners. It’s packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory broth that feels indulgent but comes together easily. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or date night, this soup is sure to impress with its bold flavor and satisfying warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Components:

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

Flavor Boosters:

3 tbsp tomato paste
32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth

1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp kosher salt

1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)

The Good Stuff:

8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base

Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious

Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

Notes

Chicken Options: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or breasts for a leaner version. Rotisserie chicken also works well for a shortcut.

Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Make It Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick.
Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.

Freezer Tips: For best results, freeze before adding cream and cheese. Add those fresh when reheating.
Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Friendly: This soup can be easily adapted for both. See blog post for detailed instructions.