This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a warm, comforting dish filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy goodness. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
You might just want to marry whoever makes this soup. Seriously, it’s that good! I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you have allergies or preferences, you can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can use thighs for a juicier texture. Tofu or chickpeas can replace chicken for a vegetarian option!
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are ideal, but you can substitute with diced regular potatoes or even sweet potatoes. You can skip them entirely for a lighter version.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep an eye on the consistency.
Spinach or Kale: Fresh spinach adds a mild taste. If unavailable, frozen spinach works too. You might also try Swiss chard for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Use medium heat when cooking the chicken. This helps prevent it from browning too quickly while remaining juicy inside.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden. Then let it rest before shredding; this keeps it moist.
- Check for doneness by slicing it open—make sure there’s no pink inside.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Veggies and Add Flavor?
Cooking the veggies properly enhances the soup’s taste. Here’s my approach:
- Sauté the onions until they’re soft and a bit caramelized—around 5 minutes.
- Add garlic for just 1 minute right before the liquids, so it stays fragrant but doesn’t burn.
- Then, let the broth and potatoes simmer until they’re tender and flavorful, about 15 minutes. Adjust spices to match your taste!
Enjoy making this cozy soup and feel free to customize it to your liking!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious soup will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend about 40 minutes total from start to finish, making it a perfect dish for a cozy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and nearly cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot (don’t wash it!), add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
3. Add the Liquids and Spices:
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Then add the halved baby potatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Bring everything to a gentle boil, letting those delicious flavors combine!
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. You can check by poking them with a fork; they should be soft!
5. Shred the Chicken:
While the potatoes are cooking, take the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use two forks or your hands—whichever you prefer!
6. Combine and Thicken:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the shredded chicken back into the pot, followed by the heavy cream. Simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through and combine the flavors.
7. Add Greens:
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Cook until it wilts, which will only take a minute or so. It’s going to look so colorful and fresh!
8. Final Seasoning:
Give your delicious soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You want it just right!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
This creamy, hearty soup with tender chicken, potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and greens is bound to make someone say “Marry Me!”
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method: seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1-2 hours.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add chickpeas or tofu for protein and texture. Additionally, you can use mushrooms for a hearty flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container because it will expand as it freezes!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to add the spinach or kale right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant!