How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup in 30 Mins

Tired of the same old chicken soup recipes that leave you underwhelmed? Looking for a quick comfort food that’s impressive enough to win hearts? Marry Me Chicken Soup is the answer you’ve been searching for! This 30-minute wonder combines creamy textures with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs for a bowl that truly lives up to its name.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe came to life during a chilly evening when I wanted to transform the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish into something more comforting yet equally impressive. After several test batches in my kitchen (and many happy neighbors who received the extras!), I perfected this quick version that delivers all the flavor without the long simmer time.

In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken pieces, share my secret ingredient blend, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer pro tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver that “Will you marry me?” worthy flavor in just half an hour!

Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Works

• Uses affordable chicken thighs that stay tender in soup
• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Creamy texture without being heavy or overly rich
• Perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herbaceous flavors
• Freezes beautifully for meal prep convenience
• Impresses dinner guests without complicated techniques

Choosing the Right Chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Best Cuts for This Marry Me Chicken Soup

Chicken thighs are the gold standard for this recipe. Their higher fat content ensures they remain juicy and tender throughout cooking, while adding richness to the broth. Boneless, skinless thighs save time but still provide excellent flavor.

Buying Tips for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Look for chicken thighs with:

• Pink color without gray spots
• No strong odor
• Uniform size for even cooking
• Organic or free-range options for better flavor

Substitutions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

If chicken thighs aren’t available:

• Chicken breasts work but reduce cooking time by 5 minutes
• Rotisserie chicken can be added at the end (skip the browning step)
• Turkey cutlets offer a similar texture with a different flavor profile

Ingredients & Prep for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Chicken Prep Essentials for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Before diving into the soup preparation, pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces for quicker cooking and better soup-eating experience.

Marinades/Seasonings for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Soup Base Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep for Marry Me Chicken Soup

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2. Dice onion, mince garlic, and prepare all other ingredients
3. Measure out liquids and have them ready beside the stove

Cooking Method for Marry Me Chicken Soup

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat
2. Add seasoned chicken pieces and brown for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally (they don’t need to be fully cooked)
3. Remove chicken and set aside
4. In the same pot, add remaining olive oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes)
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
6. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and remaining Italian seasoning
7. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot
8. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle boil
9. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
10. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes
11. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted

Doneness Check for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The soup should be slightly thickened and creamy, and the flavors should be well-melded.

Finishing Touches for Marry Me Chicken Soup

1. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and lemon zest
2. Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed
4. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs

Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Don’t boil the soup after adding cream it may curdle
• Brown the chicken first for deeper flavor
• Use fresh herbs at the end for brightness
• Don’t rush the simmering process those 10 minutes are essential for flavor development

Tool Recommendations for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot for even heat distribution
• Sharp knife for cutting chicken
• Wooden spoon for stirring (metal can scratch pots)
• Instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness

Storage & Reheating for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
• Reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if too thick
• Avoid microwave reheating if possible stovetop gives better texture

Looking for more delicious soup recipes? Check out my collection on Pinterest for endless inspiration that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds!

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or 1 tablespoon of hot sauce to kick up the heat. For a smoky heat, try adding a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Herb-Forward Marry Me Chicken Soup

Double the fresh herbs and add a mixture of thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an herbaceous profile that’s perfect for cool weather.

Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Soup

Add olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Greek-inspired variation.

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Crusty bread or homemade garlic bread for dipping
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables as a side
• Crispy polenta squares
• Fresh fruit for dessert to balance the richness

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup in advance?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Make it up to 2 days ahead, but add the fresh herbs just before serving.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides the best richness, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option. For dairy-free versions, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well.

Is Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check your chicken broth label, as some commercial brands add gluten-containing ingredients.

How can I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?

If you prefer a thicker soup, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion

This 30-minute Marry Me Chicken Soup takes all the beloved flavors of the famous “proposal-worthy” chicken dish and transforms them into a comforting, soul-warming soup that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and complex flavor profile, it’s hard to believe something this delicious comes together so quickly!

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. The best part? You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

I’d love to see your Marry Me Chicken Soup creations! Tag @GusRecipes on social media or leave a comment below sharing your experience. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick comfort foods that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup in 30 Mins

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy, flavor-packed chicken soup inspired by the famous ‘Marry Me Chicken’  with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a rich Parmesan broth that’s absolutely irresistible.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups spinach leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly golden; remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

6. Return cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

7. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

8. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Add cooked pasta or rice to make this soup even heartier.

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of broth to loosen the soup.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: marry me chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, comfort food, parmesan chicken soup