MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE

Imagine the aroma of garlic, herbs, and creamy parmesan filling your kitchen, promising a bowl of pure comfort and deliciousness; this isn’t just any soup, it’s Marry Me Chicken Soup, a recipe so good, it might just lead to a proposal (or at least, a very happy tummy!), and I promise, you’ll nail it!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste

Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty bread, for dipping
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep

Okay, before we even *think* about soup, let’s get that chicken ready. I know, I know, prepping chicken can sometimes feel like a chore, but trust me, a little love here goes a long way. First, make sure your chicken breasts are cut into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure they cook at the same rate. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked while others are still raw! Now, for the seasoning. We’re keeping it simple but impactful. The Italian seasoning gives it that classic Italian flavor, while the garlic powder, salt, and pepper do their magic. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what gives the chicken its initial flavor punch. One little trick I like to use is to toss the chicken with the olive oil and seasonings in a bowl *before* I even turn on the stove. This ensures that every piece is evenly coated, and the flavors really start to meld together. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes if you have time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

3. Build the Soup Base

   Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes and green chiles. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds tons of flavor!

4. Simmer and Thicken

   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens, and the soup starts to really come alive.

5. Add the Cream and Cheese

   Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

6. Incorporate the Final Ingredients

   Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chopped basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

   Ladle the Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, if desired.

Troubleshooting & Tips for Soup Perfection

Okay, let’s be real: sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common hiccups and how to fix them:

• Soup not thick enough? No problem! You can either simmer it for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the soup. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Soup too thick? Easy fix! Just add a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Chicken dry? Don’t sweat it! Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken in the first step. If it’s already a little dry, the creamy soup will help rehydrate it. You can also try using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts; they tend to be more forgiving.
• Too spicy? If you accidentally added too much red pepper flakes, you can try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl to help cool it down.

And a few extra tips from your best friend in the kitchen:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of oregano or thyme can add a lovely depth of flavor.
• If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them with a tablespoon of tomato paste.
• For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
• This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of soup is that it’s so adaptable! Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this Marry Me Chicken Soup. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the onion.
• Make it cheesy: For an even cheesier soup, add a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Spice it up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Add pasta or rice: Turn this soup into a heartier meal by adding cooked pasta (like small shells or ditalini) or rice. Just add it in the last few minutes of cooking. Try making a Chicken Tortellini Soup by adding cheese tortellini!
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It will add a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

While a bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

• Grilled Cheese Croutons: Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into small squares and float them on top of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the Marry Me Chicken Soup for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Storing and Reheating Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened up too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out before reheating. You can also freeze this soup for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as described above.

Why This Soup is a Keeper

This Marry Me Chicken Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, comforting, and flavorful, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or simply want a cozy and delicious meal on a chilly night, this soup is sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love (with the soup, that is!).