how to make A Creamy & Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup

03/05/202501/29/2025 by Chef Zainab

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cost per Serving: Around $3
Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

The first time I made this soup for my grandmother, I was a nervous wreck. She had been making the most comforting, soul-warming chicken soups for as long as I could remember, and now it was my turn to impress her.

I carefully sautéed the onions and garlic just like she always did, let the sun-dried tomatoes soften in the rich broth, and slowly stirred in the cream, hoping I wouldn’t mess it up. When I finally placed the bowl in front of her, I held my breath, watching as she took her first spoonful.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then smiled. “Well, sweetheart, if I weren’t already married to your grandpa, I think this soup could have done the trick.”

I laughed in relief, but deep down, I knew she was proud. That day, I realized that good food isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the love and memories we create around the table. And that’s exactly what this Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

There’s a reason this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a must-try. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that make every spoonful irresistible. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Ultra Creamy & Rich

This soup has a velvety, luscious texture thanks to a perfect blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Every bite is smooth, flavorful, and completely satisfying.

Loaded with Tender Chicken

Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this soup super easy to prepare while ensuring the meat stays juicy and flavorful. No dry chicken here!

Sun-Dried Tomatoes Add a Sweet-Tangy Kick

The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the broth with a subtle sweetness and rich umami flavor, balancing the creamy base beautifully.

Quick & Easy to Make

You can have this soup on the table in just 40 minutes! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Adjustable Spice Level

Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Prefer it mild? Simply leave them out. This recipe is super flexible!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop overnight. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

With no flour or pasta, this soup is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for keto and low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor.

A One-Pot Wonder

Fewer dishes = more time to enjoy your meal. Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze!

So whether you’re making this for a cozy night in, meal prepping for the week, or even hoping to impress someone special, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite!

How to make this Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ingredients

Marry Me Chicken Soup ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

Fresh basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Marry Me Chicken Soup preparation

Marry Me Chicken Soup prep

Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup

1-Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2-Build the Flavor

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them soften for about 5 minutes.

3-Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently—don’t boil, or the cream may curdle.

4-Add the Chicken & Cheese

Mix in the shredded chicken and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let everything heat through for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5-Garnish & Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!

The Secret to the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

Want to make a Marry Me Chicken Soup so good that it leaves everyone speechless? The secret isn’t just in the ingredients—it’s in how you use them. Here are the key techniques and tips to make this soup absolutely irresistible!

1. Build Layers of Flavor from the Start

A great soup starts with deep, well-developed flavors. Instead of just throwing everything into a pot, take the time to sauté, deglaze, and simmer properly.

How to do it:
✔ Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices in olive oil first to release their natural aromas.
✔ Let the sun-dried tomatoes cook for a few minutes before adding the broth—this helps them release their tangy-sweet depth into the soup.
✔ Deglaze the pot with white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits—this adds extra umami and richness.

2. Get the Perfect Creamy Texture Without Curdling

A creamy soup should be silky smooth, not grainy or separated. The secret? Low heat and the right dairy additions.

✔ Use heavy cream or mascarpone for the richest texture.
✔ Never boil the soup after adding dairy—keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
✔ Temper the cream first: Warm it slightly before adding it to the soup to prevent curdling.

3. Use Tender, Shredded Chicken (Not Cubed!)

The texture of the chicken makes a big difference. Shredded chicken blends into the broth beautifully, making every bite melt in your mouth.

✔ Use rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and texture.
✔ If cooking raw chicken, simmer it gently in the broth and then shred it for ultimate tenderness.

4. Let the Sun-Dried Tomatoes Infuse the Broth

Sun-dried tomatoes are what give this soup its signature sweet-tangy depth. But to get the most out of them, you need to let them simmer longer.

✔ Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes—they’re softer and more flavorful.
✔ Chop them finely so they melt into the broth, enhancing every spoonful.
✔ Simmer them for at least 10 minutes before adding cream to extract maximum flavor.

5. Double the Cheese for Maximum Flavor

Parmesan is a must, but adding a second cheese like cream cheese or pecorino makes the soup extra creamy and umami-rich.

✔ Grate Parmesan finely so it melts smoothly.
✔ Stir cheese in gradually over low heat to avoid clumping.
✔ For extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese—it makes the broth even silkier!

6. Finish with Fresh Herbs & a Squeeze of Lemon

A touch of freshness at the end brightens up the entire dish.

✔ Basil or parsley gives a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy broth.
✔ A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving cuts through the richness and balances the flavors perfectly.

7. Let It Rest for 10 Minutes Before Serving

Here’s a secret most people don’t know: Soup always tastes better after it sits for a bit.

✔ Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes allows all the flavors to meld together.
✔ The broth will thicken slightly, making it even more velvety and delicious.

The Ultimate Pro Tip: Make It a Day Ahead!

If you really want the BEST version of this soup, make it one day in advance. Soups taste even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight.

By following these simple but powerful techniques, your Marry Me Chicken Soup will go from good to absolutely unforgettable.

How to Make It Even More Flavorful

Want to take your Marry Me Chicken Soup to the next level? Here are some chef-approved tricks to make every spoonful even more rich, creamy, and packed with flavor!

1. Roast the Garlic for a Deep, Caramelized Flavor

Instead of simply sautéing minced garlic, try roasting a whole head of garlic and squeezing the soft, sweet cloves into the soup. Roasted garlic adds a deep, mellow richness that enhances every bite.

How to do it:

Cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Once cool, squeeze out the soft garlic and mix it into the soup.

2. Use Homemade Chicken Broth for a Richer Base

A high-quality broth is the backbone of any great soup. If you have time, making your own chicken stock will intensify the depth of flavor.

Quick homemade broth tip:

Simmer a rotisserie chicken carcass with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaves for 1-2 hours. Strain and use for an ultra-rich soup base!

3. Let the Sun-Dried Tomatoes Simmer Longer

Sun-dried tomatoes are a key ingredient, but did you know they get even more flavorful when simmered longer?

Flavor-boosting tip:

Add them early in the cooking process so they fully infuse the broth with their tangy, slightly sweet, umami-packed taste.

4. Use Two Types of Cheese for Maximum Creaminess

Parmesan is amazing, but for extra silky richness, try adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone.

Parmesan = Salty, umami-packed flavor
Cream cheese or mascarpone = Extra creamy, smooth texture

Pro tip: Stir the cheese in slowly over low heat to prevent clumping.

5. Add a Splash of White Wine for a Gourmet Touch

A dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) adds a subtle brightness that balances out the creamy texture.

How to do it:

Add ¼ cup of white wine right after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes before adding the broth to let the alcohol cook off.

6. Finish with Fresh Herbs for a Burst of Freshness

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds a light, fresh contrast to the creamy soup.

Best herbs to use:

Basil – Sweet and slightly peppery (pairs perfectly with sun-dried tomatoes!)
Parsley – Bright and fresh, balances out the richness
Thyme – Earthy and aromatic, great for a deeper flavor

Final Pro Tip: Let It Rest for 10 Minutes Before Serving

Like a fine stew, this soup gets better as it sits. Letting it rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

By using these simple but powerful techniques, you’ll turn your Marry Me Chicken Soup into an unforgettable dish that tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen!

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. While it’s absolutely satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dish can take your meal to the next level! Here are some perfect low-carb and classic sides to serve with this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Bread (Keto-Friendly!)

A bowl of creamy soup is even better when paired with warm, buttery garlic bread. This low-carb version is made with almond flour and cheese for a crispy yet soft texture that’s perfect for dipping!

If you’re craving something chewy and satisfying to dip into your creamy soup, these Perfect Sourdough Bagels are a great choice. Plus, they make an amazing toasted side with butter or cheese!

2. A Crisp Green Salad for Freshness

Since this soup is rich and creamy, balancing it with a fresh, crisp salad adds a nice contrast. A simple arugula or Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the flavors.

Best Salad Pairings:
✔ Lemon Parmesan Arugula Salad – Light, tangy, and fresh.
✔ Keto Caesar Salad – Creamy yet refreshing, with crunchy romaine and Parmesan.
✔ Tomato & Avocado Salad – Adds a juicy, slightly tangy contrast to the soup.

3. Parmesan Crisps for a Crunchy Bite

If you love a little crunch with your soup but want to skip the bread, Parmesan crisps are the perfect alternative. They’re salty, cheesy, and super crispy, making them a great addition!

Pro Tip: Bake small piles of grated Parmesan at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.

For a fun, crispy side or a little snack before your meal, these Pastelitos are flaky, golden, and packed with delicious fillings. Perfect for a cozy night in!

4. Roasted Veggies for Extra Fiber & Flavor

For a wholesome and hearty meal, serve this soup with a side of roasted vegetables. The deep, caramelized flavors pair beautifully with the creamy broth.

Best Roasted Veggies:
✔ Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
✔ Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
✔ Oven-Roasted Zucchini & Mushrooms

Pro Tip: Drizzle your veggies with olive oil, salt, and Italian seasoning, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

If you love rich, buttery, and perfectly seasoned potatoes, these Smothered Potatoes will make the ultimate side dish to your Marry Me Chicken Soup. Soft, creamy, and bursting with flavor!

5. Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb Alternative to Pasta)

If you’re looking for a heartier meal without adding too many carbs, cauliflower rice is a great way to bulk up this soup. It soaks up all the creamy broth while keeping things light and keto-friendly.

Pro Tip: Sauté cauliflower rice in butter and garlic for extra flavor before adding it to the soup.

For a spicy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying sandwich that pairs well with your soup, don’t miss this Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. It’s crispy, melty, and full of smoky goodness!

Whether you go for a crunchy side, a fresh salad, or a warm, toasty bread alternative, these pairings will make your Marry Me Chicken Soup even more delicious! Try a few and find your favorite combination.

❓ FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

Why Do They Call It “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name comes from the original Marry Me Chicken recipe—a creamy, flavorful dish so delicious that it’s said to be “proposal-worthy”! This soup version keeps all the same rich, comforting flavors but transforms them into a cozy bowl of warmth. Serve this to someone special, and who knows? You might just get a proposal!

What Is the Most Delicious Soup in the World?

That’s a tough question because it depends on personal taste! Some people swear by French onion soup, while others love a rich lobster bisque or classic chicken noodle soup. But if you’re looking for a soup that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is definitely a top contender!

What Is the Secret Ingredient in Soup?

Every great soup has a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level. In Marry Me Chicken Soup, the magic comes from sun-dried tomatoes—they add a sweet, tangy depth that makes the broth unbelievably flavorful. Other secret ingredients that enhance any soup include:
✔ A splash of lemon juice to brighten flavors
✔ A Parmesan rind simmered in the broth for extra richness
✔ Roasted garlic for a deep, caramelized taste

Why Is My Marry Me Chicken Sauce Not Thickening?

If your soup isn’t as thick and creamy as you’d like, try these fixes:

✔ Simmer Longer: Let the soup reduce over low heat to naturally thicken.
✔ Add More Cheese: Parmesan and cream cheese help create a richer consistency.
✔ Use a Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup and let it cook for a few minutes.
✔ Blend Part of the Soup: If you like a thicker texture, blend a small portion of the soup and mix it back in.

If you still want a thicker consistency, try using heavy cream instead of milk, as it has a higher fat content and won’t thin out as much.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Please note that the links below are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting my blog!

To make the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference. Here are two must-have items:

1. Large Dutch Oven – Perfect for Simmering Soups!: A heavy-duty Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution, allowing your soup to simmer gently without burning. Plus, it’s great for one-pot cooking!
🛒 Check out this highly-rated Dutch oven on Amazon

2. Sharp Chef’s Knife – For Easy Chopping & Prep: A high-quality chef’s knife makes chopping onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes effortless. A sharp, comfortable knife speeds up prep time and ensures clean cuts.
🛒 Get a professional chef’s knife on Amazon

With these tools, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality soup right at home!

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor—the perfect comfort food! Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments. Did it win your heart? 💕

Enjoy, and happy cooking! 😋

1 thought on “how to make A Creamy & Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup”

Jennifer
02/01/2025 at 05:48
Very easy and so 😋

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