Now, y'all, gather 'round while I spin the tale of a wholesome dish that'll make your taste buds feel like they've been courted and won over with love and care. Marry Me Chicken Soup, this recipe's got a charm to it, a kind of magic that's been passed through the kitchens and the whispers of many a Midwestern family. Originating as a testament to love—a dish so delightful, so comforting, it could swoop up a marriage proposal right on the spot—it's the kind of soup that warms more than just the belly. In today's version, we've lovingly nipped and tucked the carbs away because, darlin', we all appreciate a bit of health without sacrificing flavor. This soup might just be the thing to make for that special someone, or when you're hankering for a cozy night in that hugs you right back.
Serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to keep things light and balanced. And if you're one to enjoy a bit of bread, a slice of low-carb garlic bread wouldn't go amiss, now, would it? Don't forget that a little sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can dress up any dish, including this one.
Advertisement
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
Directions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for a minute until fragrant, darlin'.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken lightly on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes for the flavors to come together like a family reunion.
4. Now, with the soup gently bubblin', stir in the heavy whipping cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, and let everything get acquainted for about 5 minutes.
5. Lastly, fold in the spinach and let it wilt right into the soup, just a moment or two, until it's tender and melded perfectly into the mix.
6. Give the soup a good taste, and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a tad more salt or a whisper of pepper.
Advertisement
Variations & Tips:
- If y'want to keep the tradition but cut down on dairy, use unsweetened almond milk in place of heavy cream and skip the cheese.
- For those of ya with gardens brimming with fresh herbs, feel free to use fresh thyme and rosemary. Just remember the rule of thumb: one tablespoon of fresh herbs is equivalent to one teaspoon of dried.
- A fine tip to keep in mind: the soup can thicken upon standing, so if you find it too thick after a spell, just add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Don't be afraid to personalize this beloved dish. Cooking, like love, is all about makin' it your own.
- For those of ya with gardens brimming with fresh herbs, feel free to use fresh thyme and rosemary. Just remember the rule of thumb: one tablespoon of fresh herbs is equivalent to one teaspoon of dried.
- A fine tip to keep in mind: the soup can thicken upon standing, so if you find it too thick after a spell, just add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Don't be afraid to personalize this beloved dish. Cooking, like love, is all about makin' it your own.