I first made this soup on a rainy Sunday when I needed something that felt like home. I threw together tender chicken, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, cream, and broth—and the result was magic. My husband literally paused mid-bite and said, “If I hadn’t already married you, this would seal the deal.” That’s how chicken soup got its name in our house.
Let’s dig into this irresistible dish and walk you through the marry me chicken soup recipe step-by-step. Whether you're cooking in a pot or using the marry me chicken soup crockpot method, this recipe is beginner-friendly, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Soup (And Why Is It So Loved)?
Imagine a lovechild between creamy chicken noodle soup and Tuscan-style chicken. That’s marry me chicken soup. It gets its name from the classic “marry me chicken” dish, where sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and herbs transform ordinary chicken into something next-level. Now, take those flavors, add broth, a touch of pasta or rice, and you’ve got a soup that’s hearty, rich, and emotionally comforting.
Unlike traditional marry me chicken, this soup has more broth, which means it’s perfect for slurping with a spoon or dipping crusty bread into. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, creamy textures, and flavor from ingredients like:
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick
- Garlic and onion for depth
- Chicken broth to keep things cozy
- Heavy cream or half-and-half for that lush, velvety finish
- Italian herbs that make your kitchen smell like a little trattoria
The best part? You don’t need to be a kitchen pro. This soup is all about love, comfort, and simplicity. Whether you’re following the marry me chicken soup crockpot method or going stovetop, it’s nearly foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need (With Substitutions)
Here’s a breakdown of the classic ingredients and some beginner-friendly swaps if you don’t have everything on hand.
| Ingredient | Use It For | Substitution Ideas |
| Chicken breast or thighs | Protein base | Shredded rotisserie chicken |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Rich, tangy flavor | Cherry tomatoes (roasted) |
| Onion & garlic | Aromatic base | Onion powder + garlic powder |
| Chicken broth | Liquid & depth of flavor | Vegetable broth or bouillon + water |
| Heavy cream | Creamy finish | Half-and-half or coconut milk |
| Parmesan cheese | Salty, cheesy goodness | Nutritional yeast (for dairy-free) |
| Italian seasoning | Herbaceous warmth | Basil + oregano |
| Pasta or rice | Carbs for body & heartiness | Orzo, egg noodles, even gnocchi |
This recipe is very forgiving. You can tweak it to suit your pantry and still get that cozy, comforting result every single time.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Stovetop Method)
Let me walk you through this like we’re cooking together in the kitchen.
- Start with aromatics.
In a large pot, heat olive oil. Sauté diced onion until soft, then add garlic. The smell? Instant comfort. - Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then add chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces). Let it brown lightly—this step builds major flavor. - Pour in broth and herbs.
Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer so the chicken cooks through and the flavors start dancing. - Stir in cream and pasta.
Once the chicken is tender, stir in heavy cream and your choice of pasta. Let everything simmer until the pasta is al dente. - Finish with cheese and love.
Turn off the heat and stir in grated parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and warm bread on the side. That first spoonful? Cue the romantic music.
Slow Cooker Lovers: Marry Me Chicken Soup Crockpot Style
If you love letting your slow cooker do the work, here’s how to make marry me chicken soup crockpot style.
- Add raw chicken, broth, garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken inside the pot.
- Stir in cream and pasta. Let cook for another 30–40 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Add parmesan just before serving.
This method is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy Sundays. Plus, your house will smell like you’ve been cooking all day (because you technically have).
Marry Me Chicken Soup vs Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup
These two might sound similar, but there’s a subtle difference:
| Feature | Marry Me Chicken Soup | Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup |
| Cream Base | Yes, uses heavy cream or half-and-half | Sometimes, but often broth-forward |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, Italian-inspired (sun-dried tomatoes) | Traditional, classic chicken noodle style |
| Noodles or Rice | Optional—can include pasta or rice | Always includes noodles |
| Comfort Level | Cozy and romantic | Classic and nostalgic |
If you’re craving something creamy and bold, go for marry me chicken soup. If you want something more familiar and simple, marry me chicken noodle soup has your back.
Tips to Make It Extra Special (Or Date-Night-Worthy)
Here are a few personal tips to really make this dish shine:
- Use fresh herbs if you have them. A bit of chopped basil or thyme at the end makes a big difference.
- Add a splash of white wine. Deglaze the pan after sautéing the chicken for added depth.
- Try gnocchi instead of pasta. It makes the soup feel even more indulgent.
- Finish with a drizzle of chili oil. For a spicy twist, this adds a grown-up kick.
And of course, serve it in your nicest bowls, light a candle, and cue up your favorite playlist. Who says soup can’t be date-night food?
FAQs
What Is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry me chicken soup is a creamy, comforting soup made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s based on the popular “marry me chicken” dish.
How Do You Make Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Sauté garlic and onions, add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken, then simmer in broth and cream with pasta or rice. Finish with parmesan and herbs.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Soup in the Crockpot?
Yes, The marry me chicken soup crockpot version is easy—just dump, set, and forget. Add cream and pasta toward the end for best results.
Is There a Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup Version?
Absolutely, Just add egg noodles or your favorite pasta to the mix. It’s a twist on classic chicken noodle soup with bold, creamy flavors.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes, Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the parmesan. It’ll still be rich and cozy without the dairy.
Conclusion
At its heart, marry me chicken soup is more than just a recipe. It’s a little bowl of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort—perfect for chilly evenings, long days, or when you just need a culinary hug. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes is pure magic.
Whether you're wooing someone special, feeding your family, or treating yourself (because yes, you deserve that), this soup is an all-star. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of free time. Just a few pantry staples, some love, and maybe a slice of warm bread on the side.
Try it once, and don’t be surprised if someone looks up at you mid-bite and says, “Marry me.”
And hey, if you're into comforting classics, check out this SimplyRecipez creamy chicken and rice casserole for another easy win at dinner.