Marry Me Chicken Soup
Introduction
Recipe and More
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines rich ingredients with an impressive ease of preparation. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep to satisfy your cravings throughout the week. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs come together to create a comfort food that will leave everyone asking for more.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
What You’ll Need
Chicken breasts – You’ll need 2 medium-sized chicken breasts.
Garlic – Use 4 cloves, minced.
Chicken broth – A generous 4 cups of chicken broth.
Heavy cream – You’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream for that rich, creamy base.
Parmesan cheese – Add ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for depth of flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Use ½ cup, chopped, to infuse delightful tang.
Italian seasoning – Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for an herby touch.
Baby spinach – Include 2 cups of fresh baby spinach for added heartiness.
Onion – Use 1 small yellow onion, diced finely.
Olive oil – You’ll need 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
Prep Time
Get Ready to Cook
Set aside approximately 10 minutes of prep time for this recipe. In this short time, you will chop the vegetables, season the chicken, and prepare your ingredients for an efficient and enjoyable cooking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
How Much Time You’ll Need
Cook Time: The soup cooks in about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.
Total Time: From prep to plating, you’ll need just 30 minutes.
Yield: This recipe makes enough for 4 servings, making it ideal for small family dinners or leftovers.
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a must-try for your recipe collection, sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers delight in every spoonful!
“`html
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the skillet, ensuring it forms an even coating on the bottom of the pan.
Sear the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Deglaze the Skillet
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These caramelized bits will add extra flavor to the soup.
Add Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and crushed tomatoes, mixing well to create a creamy base.
Incorporate Seasonings
Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the seasonings are thoroughly combined.
Reintroduce Chicken
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
Simmer the Soup
Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Garnish
Top with additional Parmesan cheese, basil, or parsley as desired before serving.
Notes
Chicken Variations
You can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Consistency of the Soup
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner soup, you can add more chicken broth.
Make Ahead
This soup can be prepared ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Optional Add-ins
You can add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
Cooking Tip
Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
“`
Cook techniques
How to Sear Chicken Thighs
Start by heating a skillet on medium-high heat and adding oil. Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure they develop a nice crust. Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and other desired spices before adding them to the skillet. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on thighs, and allow them to sear undisturbed for several minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Using the same skillet, remove excess fat and sauté onions, garlic, and any other aromatics like red pepper flakes until fragrant. This helps in building flavor for the soup base. Make sure the heat is controlled to avoid burning.
Deglaze the Pan
Pour in a liquid, such as chicken broth or white wine, to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits left from searing the chicken. These browned bits add a rich depth of flavor to the soup.
Layering Ingredients
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot systematically, starting with liquids like broth or heavy cream, followed by seasonings and other additions like sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Stir carefully to combine before letting the mixture simmer.
Simmering for Rich Flavors
Allow the soup to simmer on low heat, which helps all the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Adding Cream and Cheese
To get a creamy texture, add heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
FAQ
What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a flavorful, creamy soup made with seared chicken thighs, spices, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It is the soup version of the classic Marry Me Chicken dish.
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Soup?
The soup takes its name from the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe, which is said to be so good that it could make someone fall in love enough to propose marriage.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used as an alternative to chicken thighs. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted to prevent them from drying out.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The soup takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on your preparation speed and experience.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the soup is naturally gluten-free as it uses no wheat-based thickeners like flour. Always double-check packaged ingredients, such as broth, for hidden gluten.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach may soften further upon reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the soup to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, the texture of the heavy cream may change slightly after freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently over low heat.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a fresh side salad for an even more satisfying meal.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that truly lives up to its name. It brings together creamy, hearty ingredients that are perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with rich flavors, it’s a wonderful recipe that you’ll want to make again and again, ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something indulgent.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Marry Me Chicken Casserole
A baked twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Add pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Combine the creamy base from Marry Me Chicken Soup with pasta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a decadent pasta dish.
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Consider adding a garlic butter twist using similar spices from the soup recipe to create a rich and savory meal.
One-Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken
Stick with the one-pot method but infuse Parmesan cheese for added depth and creaminess.
Marry Me Chicken Risotto
Incorporate the flavors of the soup into risotto for a classy yet comforting dish that pairs well with fresh herbs and Parmesan.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche
Use the flavor profile of Marry Me Chicken Soup as inspiration for a savory quiche loaded with tomatoes and spinach.
Creamy White Wine Chicken
Utilize the creamy sauce concept from the soup combined with white wine to create a flavorful chicken entrée.
Marry Me Chicken Pizza
Repurpose the flavors from the soup for a fun pizza idea by layering the creamy sauce, chicken, and spinach on a pizza crust.
Lemon Herb Chicken Soup
Add a fresh, citrusy twist by creating a variation of the chicken soup with lemon and fresh herbs.
