Craving a creamy, comforting soup that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup! This recipe transforms the viral “Marry Me Chicken” sensation into a cozy soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. With minimal effort, you can create a soup so good, it might just inspire a proposal!
What is Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. It takes the rich, creamy, sun-dried tomato and parmesan flavors of the original dish and transforms them into a hearty and satisfying soup. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the incredible flavors. What truly makes this soup stand out is its simplicity.
By using a crockpot, the dish requires minimal hands-on time and effort, making it ideal for busy individuals or those new to cooking. The hearty blend of chicken, vegetables (optional), and creamy sauce ensures a deeply satisfying meal. So, ready to create a soup experience that might just steal someone’s heart? Try this recipe now and bring the magic of Marry Me Chicken to your soup bowl!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 lbs, boneless, skinless. You can use thawed frozen chicken breasts too.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil!). Chop them into small pieces before you add them to slow cooker.
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, plus more for topping
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- (Optional) Spinach: 5 oz bag, fresh
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying, offering a creamy, rich texture and unforgettable flavor. This recipe offers the delicious flavors of the original Marry Me Chicken but transformed into a creamy and comforting soup! It highlights the simplicity of using a slow cooker, making it a convenient option for busy days. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while the crockpot does the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat the olive oil and reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the bottom of your crockpot. Add the seared (or raw) chicken breasts on top. Pour in the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you are adding Spinach, add it now and stir until it is wilted.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup:
This soup is the epitome of comfort food, a warm embrace in a bowl! The highlight is undoubtedly the creamy, Italian-inspired broth infused with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of garlic. The richness of the parmesan cheese elevates the experience to pure indulgence.
Making this soup at home not only guarantees a healthier meal but also saves you money compared to ordering takeout or dining out. You control the ingredients and can adjust the flavors to your preference.
The fresh basil garnish adds a burst of freshness and vibrancy, while the optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides a gentle kick. Plus, a generous topping of extra parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition!
Think of this as a cozy, souped-up version of Chicken Alfredo. If you love the creamy comfort of Alfredo, you’ll adore this recipe. Ready to fall in love with soup again? Try making this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup at home tonight!
What to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup With:
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into the creamy broth, a slice of crusty bread is essential. Sourdough or Italian bread works perfectly.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For an extra comforting meal, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Garlic Bread: Upgrade your bread game with homemade garlic bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus as a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- Don’t Skip the Sear (If You Have Time): Searing the chicken adds a depth of flavor that raw chicken just can’t match.
- Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes is crucial to the success of this soup. Look for oil-packed ones with a vibrant red color.
- Adjust the Thickness: If your soup is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it on low for a bit longer with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Add Vegetables: Get creative with vegetables! Spinach wilts in beautifully, but consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Want a bit more kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crockpot.
5 Facts about Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- The Original Inspiration: This soup is inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, known for its creamy, delicious flavor.
- Slow Cooker Simplicity: Using a crockpot makes this recipe incredibly easy, requiring minimal hands-on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, adding different vegetables or spices.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be easily frozen and reheated for a quick and convenient meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to leave some space in the container, because the soup will expand when it freezes.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Final Thoughts:
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on a beloved dish, offering all the deliciousness of the original in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your crockpot and get ready to create a soup that’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They will add a richer flavor to the soup. Make sure they are boneless and skinless.
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can. Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot, add the remaining ingredients (except the cream and cheese), and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken, then stir in the cream and cheese.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative. Use a dairy-free parmesan cheese substitute.
Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
A: If you have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for about 30 minutes before using. You may also need to add a little extra olive oil to the soup.
Q: Can I add pasta to this soup?
A: Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo would be a great addition. Cook the pasta separately and stir it into the soup before serving, to avoid it becoming mushy.