Tired of bland, uninspiring chicken soups that leave you wanting more? I know that feeling all too well. Enter my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup – a rich, creamy, and utterly divine comfort meal that’s earned its name because it might just prompt a proposal after the first spoonful!
Hi there! I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish, and this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe holds a special place in my kitchen arsenal. On a particularly cold winter evening, I was craving something that would warm me from the inside out, and this creation was born. The name? Well, let’s just say my dinner guests were ready to propose after tasting it!
This soul-warming soup transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, flavorful morsels swimming in a sun-dried tomato cream broth that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, your crockpot does most of the work!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through choosing the perfect chicken, prepping your ingredients for maximum flavor, and step-by-step instructions to crockpot perfection. Plus, I’ll share my pro tips for variations that keep this recipe exciting every time you make it.
Why This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Works
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup has become a reader favorite, and for good reason:
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have
- Set-it-and-forget-it cooking method perfect for busy days
- Creates tender, juicy chicken without any babysitting
- Delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort
- Makes enough for leftovers that taste even better the next day
Choosing the Right Chicken for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Best Cuts for This Recipe
For the most succulent Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to choice. They absorb flavors beautifully while remaining tender through the slow cooking process. However, chicken thighs make an excellent alternative if you prefer darker meat with more natural richness.
Buying Tips
Look for plump chicken breasts with a pinkish hue and avoid any with a grayish tint or slimy texture. If possible, opt for free-range or organic chicken – you’ll notice the difference in both flavor and texture in your finished Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Substitutions
If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken can be used – simply add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to warm through. For a lighter version, turkey breast works wonderfully, though it may require slightly less cooking time.
Ingredients & Prep for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Chicken Soup Prep Essentials
Before starting your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup, trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and prevents excess moisture in the final dish.
Key Ingredients
Chicken base
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorful liquid
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (added later)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Seasoning blend
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Finishing touches
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Pantry Staples
Essential pantry items for this recipe include olive oil for sautéing, Italian seasoning for that classic herb profile, and chicken broth as the soup base. Having crushed red pepper flakes on hand adds that gentle heat that makes this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup truly special.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Pre-Cooking Prep for Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Lightly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- If time permits, quickly brown chicken breasts in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional but adds depth of flavor).
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes, dice onion, and mince garlic.
Cooking Method for Crockpot Chicken Soup
- Place prepared chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour chicken broth over everything. Make sure chicken is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and soup is creamy.
Doneness Check for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is ready when the chicken easily shreds with a fork (internal temperature of 165°F) and the soup has a rich, creamy consistency. The cream cheese should be completely melted with no visible chunks.
Resting and Serving Your Chicken Soup
Allow your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup to rest on the WARM setting for about 15 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Avoiding Thin or Bland Chicken Soup
For the most flavorful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- Brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot for deeper flavor
- Use high-quality chicken broth (or homemade if possible)
- Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes – they’re key to the signature flavor
- Add cream and cheese only in the final stage of cooking
Tool Recommendations
- A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe
- Meat shredding claws make quick work of shredding chicken
- A good ladle and soup bowls for serving
- Storage containers for leftovers (this soup is even better the next day!)
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave at 70% power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the cream from separating.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out my collection on Pinterest for hundreds of mouthwatering ideas that will inspire your next meal!
Flavor Variations for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Spicy Twist for Chicken Soup
Kick up your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup with an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes or add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños. For a smoky heat, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder.
Herb Garden Version
Transform your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup with fresh herbs. Replace the Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Add a bay leaf during cooking and remove before serving.
Mediterranean Inspired
Give your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup a Mediterranean twist by adding ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts, ¼ cup kalamata olives, and a teaspoon of lemon zest. Finish with crumbled feta instead of Parmesan.
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Cooking Adjustments | Perfect Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Sun-dried tomatoes, cream, Parmesan | Standard recipe | Crusty bread |
| Spicy | Extra red pepper flakes, jalapeños | Add heat elements with other spices | Cooling side salad |
| Herb Garden | Fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley | Add hardy herbs early, delicate herbs last | Garlic toast |
| Mediterranean | Artichokes, olives, lemon | Add olives in last 30 minutes | Pita bread |
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup deserves the perfect companions to make a complete meal:
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping
- A simple green salad with light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- Steamed rice or pasta can be added to make it even heartier
For a complete experience, serve in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese on top.
FAQs About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Can I make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 2 days in advance, but add the heavy cream and cheeses when reheating for the best texture.
Can I freeze Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup?
You can freeze the base soup without the cream and cheese. When ready to serve, thaw completely, reheat, and then add the dairy components. Soups with cream can separate when frozen and reheated.
My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir this slurry into the hot soup and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
How spicy is this soup?
With the recommended amount of red pepper flakes, this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup has a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
There you have it my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup that truly lives up to its name! This comforting, creamy soup combines tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs in a rich broth that’s guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special with very little hands-on time. Your crockpot does the heavy lifting while you go about your day, returning to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and a meal that tastes like you spent hours tending to it.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking to impress someone special (proposal ring optional!), this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers warmth and flavor in every spoonful.
So grab your crockpot and give this recipe a try! And don’t forget to let me know in the comments how it turned out I love hearing how my recipes become part of your kitchen stories.
Happy cooking!
Print
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup: Your Easy Comfort Meal!
- Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan broth for a rich, comforting dish that’s impossible to resist. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, it’s a perfect cozy meal for date nights or family dinners one spoonful and you’ll fall in love! ❤️
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
2. Add chicken and sear lightly on both sides (no need to cook through).
3. Transfer to the crockpot with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until chicken is tender.
5. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Add spinach and cook another 10 minutes, until wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for sautéing.
Add cooked pasta or gnocchi for a heartier meal.
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Leftovers reheat beautifully — just warm gently to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
Keywords: marry me chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, slow cooker chicken soup, comfort food