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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

creamy marry me chicken soup - featured image
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A rich, velvety chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan that turns even the biggest creamy soup skeptics into fans. This budget-friendly, easy family meal comes together in about 45 minutes and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 4–5 thighs or 2 large breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Grate the Parmesan. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook another 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you stir.
  4. Bloom the garlic and tomato paste: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  5. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour coats the veggies and smells slightly nutty.
  6. Add the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the broth is smooth and starts to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add the dried thyme and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. Simmer the soup: Return the seared chicken to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  8. Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute or two, then shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  9. Finish with cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the chicken—it creates flavor. Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Shred chicken instead of chopping for better texture. Soup tastes even better the next day. For gluten-free, use 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water instead of flour. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, marry me chicken soup, budget-friendly soup, easy chicken soup, family meal, creamy soup, chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-soup-easy-budget-family-meal/