Ever scrolled through TikTok and stumbled upon a dish so irresistible, that you HAD to save it? Meet Marry Me Chicken Soup—the creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato-packed sensation that’s racked up 12 million views (and countless real-life proposals!). Spoiler: It’s called ‘Marry Me’ for a reason. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make this soul-warming soup even better than the viral original, plus share secrets for customizing it to your taste. Let’s get cooking!
Why Is This Called ‘Marry Me Chicken Soup’?
This soul-warming soup earned its charming name from a delightful urban legend: supposedly, a woman made this for her boyfriend, and he was so impressed that he proposed on the spot. While we can’t guarantee a proposal, we can promise that this combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes creates such an irresistible umami bomb that marriage proposals don’t seem far-fetched.
The dish has since exploded on social media, with home cooks worldwide falling in love with its perfect balance of comforting and sophisticated flavors. It’s become a go-to recipe for date nights, family gatherings, and meal prep alike, thanks to its impressive taste and surprisingly simple preparation.
What You’ll Need
Base Ingredients:
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Budget-Friendly Tip: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or use spinach instead of fresh basil. While sun-dried tomatoes might seem pricey, their intense flavor means a little goes a long way.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to release their oils.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken and shred it using two forks, discarding the bones.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Secrets for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Using bone-in chicken thighs isn’t just budget-friendly – it creates a richer, more flavorful broth than breast meat.
- Don’t rush the searing process. Those golden-brown bits on the bottom of the pot are pure flavor gold.
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup of white wine before adding the broth.
- When adding cream, keep the heat low and stir continuously to prevent curdling.
- The 10-minute rest before serving isn’t optional – it’s when the magic happens!
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or homemade focaccia. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light Caesar salad or peppery arugula dressed with lemon and olive oil. If you’re planning a date night, open a bottle of crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio – their acidity perfectly balances the soup’s richness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion the soup into freezer bags, leaving out the cream. When reheating, thaw completely and warm gently on the stovetop, adding fresh cream at the end.
Dietary Modifications
Making this soup your own is easy! For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Going low-carb? Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Pressed for time? Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and skip the searing step – your soup will still be delicious, just ready even faster.
Whether you’re cooking to impress a date or just treating yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is guaranteed to steal hearts.
