Are you tired of bland, uninspiring chicken soup recipes that leave you underwhelmed? If you’re looking for a meal that combines convenience with incredible flavor, you’re in the right place. This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms ordinary chicken into a dish so delicious, it might just prompt a proposal! The creamy, garlic-infused broth with sun-dried tomatoes creates a comfort meal that’s both elegant and satisfying.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this showstopper soup, including ingredient selection tips, step-by-step instructions, and creative variations to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Why This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup Works
- Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs that become incredibly tender in the slow cooker
- Requires just 15 minutes of prep for a gourmet-tasting meal
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive enough for weekend entertaining
- Creates leftovers that taste even better the next day
- Combines the viral “Marry Me Chicken” flavors with comforting soup elements
Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Marry Me Chicken Soup
Best Cuts for This Recipe
For the most flavorful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the superior choice. Unlike breast meat, thighs maintain their moisture and tenderness during the long cooking process. They also infuse the broth with a richer chicken flavor that makes this soup truly special.
Buying Tips
When selecting chicken thighs for your Marry Me Chicken Soup, look for pieces with good color and minimal fat. If possible, choose organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor. Don’t worry about trimming every bit of fat—some will render during cooking and add depth to your soup.
Substitutions
If you prefer white meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time by about an hour to prevent them from becoming dry. For a time-saving option, rotisserie chicken can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking—just enough time to absorb the flavors without overcooking.
Ingredients & Prep for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup

Chicken Prep Essentials
Before adding your chicken thighs to the crockpot, pat them dry with paper towels. This simple step helps seasonings adhere better and improves browning if you choose to sear them first (optional but recommended for deeper flavor). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Flavorful Base Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (added later)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (added later)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Pantry Staples
For this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need olive oil for sautéing (if pre-browning), salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. If you don’t have store-bought broth, you can easily make your own with homemade ranch seasoning for added flavor depth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep
- Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Scrape all the flavorful bits from the skillet into your crockpot.
Cooking Method for Your Chicken Soup
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Return chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW.
Doneness Check for Chicken Soup
Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is done when the chicken easily shreds with a fork. For food safety, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, though it will typically be well above this after the recommended cooking time.
Resting and Serving Your Chicken Soup
Allow the soup to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and the cream to fully incorporate. Serve in warm bowls garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Avoiding Watery Chicken Soup
- Don’t add the cream too early—it can separate during long cooking periods
- If your soup is too thin, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the hot soup
- For a thicker consistency, puree a portion of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot
Tool Recommendations for Chicken Soup
- A 6-quart programmable slow cooker works best for this recipe
- Meat claws or two sturdy forks make chicken shredding easier
- An instant-read thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked
Storage & Reheating Your Chicken Soup
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months if you omit the cream—simply add it when reheating.
Looking for more comfort food inspiration? Check out some amazing recipes on my Pinterest page where you’ll find plenty of crockpot favorites and cozy soups!
Flavor Variations for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup

Spicy Twist
For a zestier version of this Marry Me Chicken Soup, double the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of minced jalapeño. You can also stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce before serving for a customizable heat level.
Keto/Low-Carb Option
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is already keto-friendly! To make it even more suitable for a low-carb diet, increase the heavy cream to 1.5 cups and add extra Parmesan. Be sure to check your sun-dried tomatoes for added sugar or consider reducing the amount.
Global Flavors
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Add olives, artichokes, and feta cheese | Serve with a lemon wedge |
| Tuscan | Add spinach and cannellini beans | Top with crispy pancetta |
| French-Inspired | Add herbs de Provence and mushrooms | Serve with a crusty baguette |
| Southwest | Add corn, black beans, and cumin | Top with avocado and lime |
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
This hearty Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad with vinaigrette. For a complete comfort food experience, serve alongside garlic bread or cheese toast to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
For more delicious pairing ideas, check out what to serve with shepherd’s pie for inspiration that works equally well with hearty soups.
If you’re hosting a brunch or luncheon, consider serving this soup with hash brown crust bacon and cheddar quiche for an impressive spread that will have everyone asking for your recipes.
FAQs About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs directly in the crockpot, but add an additional hour to the cooking time. For food safety, always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F before shredding.
How do I fix my soup if the cream curdles?
If your cream separates, try whisking vigorously to recombine. If that doesn’t work, purée a portion of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot to create a smoother consistency.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The soup will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and vegetables, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes with natural release. Add the cream and Parmesan after pressure cooking, using the sauté function to heat through.
What’s the origin of “Marry Me Chicken”?
The original “Marry Me Chicken” gained popularity on social media for being so delicious it could prompt a marriage proposal. This soup version takes those same beloved flavors—creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan—and transforms them into a comforting soup.
For more delicious recipe ideas and tips for serving various dishes, visit Bikren or check out suggestions for what to serve with quiche.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup elevates comfort food to new heights with its creamy texture, tender chicken, and rich flavor profile. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to upgrade your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease of preparation. The fact that it’s made in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, returning hours later to a house filled with mouthwatering aromas and a meal that’s ready to impress.
Give this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup a try tonight and discover why it’s earned its proposal-worthy name. We’d love to hear if it earns you (or your cooking) any marriage proposals of your own!
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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup: The Comfort Meal You Need
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful twist on the viral ‘Marry Me Chicken’ dish — transformed into a cozy soup packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a rich, creamy broth that will make anyone fall in love at first bite.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Remove chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour until smooth, then stir into the soup.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and spinach; stir until spinach wilts and soup thickens slightly.
6. Cook an additional 10–15 minutes on HIGH.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
To make this soup lighter, swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or unsweetened coconut milk.
Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days — flavors deepen overnight.
Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, slow cooker comfort food, easy crockpot dinners
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