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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, garlic, and cream that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. This crowd-pleasing starter comes together in about 45 minutes and tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pot—work in batches if needed. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir to combine. Return the seared chicken to the pot, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer about half of the chicken pieces to a small bowl. Then, using an immersion blender, blend the remaining soup (the broth, vegetables, and remaining chicken) until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for 10 minutes, then blend in batches.
  8. Return the blended soup to the pot (if you used a regular blender) and place it back over low heat. Add the reserved chicken pieces, the softened cream cheese, and the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. If the soup is thinner than you’d like, make the cornstarch slurry by whisking the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Pour it into the soup while stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, and the soup will thicken nicely. If it’s already perfect, skip this step.
  11. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately. For a party, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting until your guests are ready.

Notes

For best results, take cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to soften. Always reduce heat to low before adding dairy to prevent curdling. This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. To make ahead, prepare a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, marry me chicken soup, party starter, easy soup recipe, sun-dried tomato soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-soup-the-best-easy-party-starter/