Marry Me Chicken Soup is a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly. It’s made with tender chicken, creamy goodness, and a mix of flavorful herbs that will make you want to serve it all week!
This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a little comfort food. I love how easy it is to whip up—just toss everything in and let it simmer! You’ll have everyone asking for the recipe! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For convenience, shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It’s already cooked and adds amazing flavor. If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken or even turkey as a substitution!
Heavy Cream: I love the richness that heavy cream provides, making the soup silky smooth. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut milk or half-and-half works well, giving a slightly different flavor but still creamy.
Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes are essential here, but feel free to swap with whatever you have—sweet potatoes, celery, or even zucchini! Just remember to adjust cooking times for more tender veggies.
Herbs: Dried thyme and basil are classic choices for flavor, but you can use fresh herbs if you have them. They tend to be more fragrant! For a twist, try adding a pinch of rosemary for extra aroma.
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup Has the Best Flavor?
Building flavor is key for a delicious soup. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil; this creates a great base. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat, which allows the onions to cook gently, avoiding burning.
- Add onions and cook until they’re soft—this usually takes 4-5 minutes. Then, stir in garlic and sliced carrots for 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t rush the simmering step with chicken broth and veggies; it’s what makes them tender and full of flavor! Let it boil before lowering the heat.
Finally, when you stir in the cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. This way, your soup remains silky. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely Marry Me Chicken Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep, with another 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This will create a beautiful base for your soup!
2. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic gives off a lovely aroma.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. You’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen!
5. Add Chicken and Greens:
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and the chopped spinach or kale. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
6. Add Cream for Richness:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to mix it evenly into the soup. Heat gently for another 2 minutes but remember not to let it boil once the cream is added.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your soup! Adjust with more salt and pepper if it needs a little extra seasoning. Every bowl should be bursting with flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your delicious creation! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and add a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy this rich, creamy soup, and watch how it brings smiles all around!
Your Marry Me Chicken Soup is ready to impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy the moment and the warmth of this lovely dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the soup. To do this quickly, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Shred it once thawed for easy incorporation!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, then stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer without boiling for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup (without the cream) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Both will still give the soup a creamy texture but with slightly different flavors!
