Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a cozy, creamy bowl that comforts the soul. Tender chicken thighs swim in a savory broth with sweet carrots, crisp celery, and fragrant herbs. The heavy cream adds silkiness while fresh parsley brightens the finish. It smells warm and herb-forward, tastes rich and balanced, and the texture is smooth with soft shredded chicken and tender vegetables. If you want a plant-based twist later, see this vegan variation for inspiration.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Values are approximate per serving (based on 4 servings).

Calories per serving: 475 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg

Note: Nutrition will vary with broth choice, exact chicken size, and how much salt you add.

Why Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is simple and impressive. It takes basic pantry items and turns them into a creamy, comforting meal. The thighs stay juicy and add deep flavor. The cream gives a velvety mouthfeel that feels special but is easy to achieve. It’s great for chilly nights, quick weeknight dinners, or when you want to bring something homey to friends.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Make sure your ingredients are prepped before you start. Browning the chicken adds flavor. Simmer gently so the chicken becomes tender but not dry. Finish with cream and parsley for a rich, fresh result.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups celery, diced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Heat 1–2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the chicken thighs to the pot. Brown them on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side, to build flavor. Browning does not need to cook them through.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour in the chicken broth. Add the sliced carrots, diced celery, dried thyme, dried oregano, and more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Shred the meat with two forks and return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir in the heavy cream and heat just until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra parsley. Serve with crusty bread, buttery crackers, or over steamed rice for a heartier bowl. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor. For a weeknight meal, pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and store for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave some headspace; cream-thickened soups can separate slightly when frozen.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the soup separates, whisk in a splash of milk or a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and heat to recombine.

Expert Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Use thighs for richer flavor and moist texture. Breasts work but dry faster.
Brown the chicken well. The fond (browned bits) adds depth to the broth.
Use low-sodium broth so you control the salt. Taste before adding extra.
If you prefer a lighter soup, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of butter.
To thicken slightly, mash a few carrots in the pot or whisk a cornstarch slurry into the soup while warming.
Add fresh herbs at the end to keep bright flavors.

Delicious Variations

Lemon & Herb: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest when finishing for a fresher profile.
Pasta Night: Stir in cooked small pasta (like orzo or egg noodles) just before serving.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Autumn Harvest: Stir in diced potatoes or sweet potato with the carrots for a heartier stew-like soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Use the same steps but check doneness sooner. Breasts cook faster and can dry, so simmer until just cooked and shred quickly.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk (for coconut flavor) or cashew cream. Alternatively, use unsweetened almond milk plus 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken.

Q: How do I make the soup thicker?
A: Mash a few cooked carrots in the pot, or stir a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) into the soup and heat until it thickens. You can also blend a portion of the soup and return it.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. The soup keeps 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on low. If frozen, thaw overnight and reheat slowly. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick after cooling.

Q: How do I reduce salt in the recipe?
A: Use low-sodium or homemade broth. Hold back on added salt and season to taste at the end. Fresh herbs and lemon juice can boost flavor without salt.

Q: Will the cream separate if I boil the soup after adding it?
A: Avoid vigorous boiling after adding cream. Heat gently until just warmed. High heat can cause slight separation. If separation happens, whisk in a small amount of milk or a cornstarch slurry while warming.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is cozy, simple, and full of flavor — great for family dinners or when you need comfort food fast. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft vegetables make it a bowl people will love. For another take on the "Marry Me" theme and extra inspiration, see the original Marry Me Chicken Soup at Marry Me Chicken Soup. Give it a try — it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.