When you need a dish that’s more than just a meal—something that fills the room with warmth and the promise of comfort—Marry Me Chicken Soup is the answer. Creamy, hearty, and full of tender chicken with an herby kick, this recipe might just be the one to win hearts over. Here’s how to make this show-stopping soup that’s perfect for family dinners, special nights, or whenever you want to cook with love.
Ingredients:
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Chicken: 2 large chicken breasts or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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Vegetables: 1 medium onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 large carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (diced)
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Seasonings: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt and black pepper to taste
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Liquids: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream
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Additions: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Other: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a Dutch oven (essential for even cooking) with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
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Add butter to the pot and sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they’re softened. This is best done using a wooden spoon to stir and scrape up bits from the bottom of the pot, ensuring nothing sticks and all flavors are incorporated.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base
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Pour in chicken broth and stir, lifting any browned bits for a rich base. Add sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and return chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
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Remove chicken, shred or dice it, and add back to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Cooking Tools Highlight:
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Dutch Oven: Perfect for browning and simmering in one pot.
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Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
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Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without damaging the pot’s surface.