Marry Me Chicken Soup: The Creamy, Sun-Dried Tomato Viral Classic, Reimagined as a Chunky Soup

The "Marry Me Chicken" phenomenon took the internet by storm, captivating food lovers with its irresistible creamy, sun-dried tomato, and parmesan sauce. But what if you crave those same heartwarming flavors in a comforting, chunky soup format? Look no further! We've reimagined this viral classic into a soul-soothing soup that's perfect for a cozy evening or a impressive dinner. Get ready to fall in love all over again.

Why "Marry Me" Chicken Soup?

The original dish earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious, anyone who eats it will want to marry you. And honestly, this soup version lives up to the hype! It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, offering a new way to enjoy those beloved flavors. This recipe takes the best elements of the viral sensation – tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a luxurious creamy sauce – and transforms them into a hearty soup.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

Chunky & Satisfying: Unlike some thinner soups, this recipe is packed with tender chicken pieces, hearty vegetables, and a luscious broth that makes it a complete meal.
Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and parmesan creates an explosion of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy notes.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a culinary hug.
Easy to Adapt: While we provide a fantastic base, this soup is also versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to your liking.

Let's Get Cooking!

This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to create a gourmet-tasting soup without hours in the kitchen.

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped (reserve 1 tbsp of the oil)
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment:

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil (or reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Simmer and Thicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Creaminess and Greens: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and the cheese has melted, creating a rich, creamy broth. Finally, add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, which should only take 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips for Success:

Don't Rush the Sear: Searing the chicken adds a layer of depth and flavor that you don't want to skip.
Quality Ingredients: Use good quality chicken broth and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers when you sauté the onion. You could also swirl in a spoonful of pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!

Conclusion:

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It takes the beloved flavors of a viral sensation and transforms them into a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and prepare to fall head over heels!

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