Pin This cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms the viral TikTok chicken dish into a comforting bowl of warmth. The creamy tomato broth filled with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a soup so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal. Perfect for chilly evenings when you need something heartwarming yet impressive.
I first made this soup when my sister was visiting after a difficult breakup. The rich aroma filled my kitchen, and by the time we finished our bowls, she was laughing again. Now it's our tradition whenever one of us needs comfort.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs: offer more flavor than breast meat and stay tender even with reheating
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: bring intense sweet-tangy flavor that defines this dish
- Heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture without curdling in the tomato base
- Italian seasoning blend: saves time while delivering the perfect herb balance
- Chicken broth: forms the foundation look for low-sodium varieties to control salt
- Fresh garlic cloves: provide aromatic depth that powder simply cannot match
- Parmesan cheese: adds umami richness and helps thicken the broth naturally
- Red pepper flakes: offer gentle heat that balances the cream perfectly
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through as it will finish cooking in the soup. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pot. Once melted, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil for about 1 minute.
- Create the Soup Base:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine with aromatics. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as these contain tremendous flavor.
- Simmer and Develop Flavors:
- Return chicken to the pot and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until chicken is completely tender. Remove chicken and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces before returning to the pot. The chicken should pull apart easily with two forks.
- Finish with Cream:
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for 5 additional minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The soup should have a silky texture and rich flavor profile.
Pin The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the secret star of this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when my Italian neighbor shared her family recipes with me. She insisted on using oil-packed tomatoes rather than dry ones, explaining that the infused oil carries essential flavors that make the dish sing.
Make-Ahead Magic
This soup actually improves overnight as the flavors have time to meld together. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup thickens too much during storage, simply thin with a splash of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
The rich, creamy nature of this soup calls for something to contrast and complement its flavors. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides brightness against the creamy soup. Crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread makes an ideal dipper for capturing every last drop of the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider serving smaller portions as a starter before a simple main course like roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish.
Customization Corner
This soup welcomes personalization based on your preferences or what you have available. Spinach or kale can be added during the final minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color. Mushrooms sautéed with the onions add earthy depth. For a seafood variation, substitute shrimp for chicken, adding them just before serving to prevent overcooking. The fundamental flavors remain consistent while allowing for creative adaptations.
Dietary Adaptations
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less Parmesan cheese. Those avoiding dairy altogether can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and savory flavor. To make this soup vegetarian, replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sun-dried tomatoes and herbs ensure the soup remains flavorful despite these modifications.
Pin Success Stories
My friend Sarah served this soup at her dinner party last month, and one guest asked for the recipe before even finishing his bowl. Another friend makes a double batch every Sunday to enjoy throughout her busy work week. The most memorable feedback came from my neighbor who claimed this soup helped her win over her future mother-in-law during their first meeting—apparently food really is the language of love!
The soup should have a silky texture and rich flavor profile.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes this chicken soup so creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese stirred into the broth, creating a rich texture.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and can save time while still delivering great flavor.
- → What vegetables go well in this soup?
Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach are key, but you can also add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra depth.
- → Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
This soup reheats beautifully and stores well in the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep and leftovers.
- → How can I make the soup less rich?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese to lighten the broth.