Have you ever tasted something so delicious that it felt like a warm hug in a bowl? That is exactly the experience you get with the legendary “Marry Me Chicken.” This dish, famous for its creamy, sun-dried tomato and basil sauce, is rumored to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. Consequently, we decided to transform this iconic recipe into a comforting, low-carb soup. This incredible **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** recipe delivers all the decadent flavor of the original while fitting perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. If you’re looking for a meal that is both incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare, then you have certainly come to the right place. This article will guide you through everything you need to know, from the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions for creating this unforgettable soup.
What Makes “Marry Me Chicken” So Irresistible?
The magic of Marry Me Chicken lies in its perfectly balanced and luxurious flavor profile. The original dish typically features chicken breasts pan-seared and then simmered in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and chicken broth. However, the true stars of the show are the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. The tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy intensity that cuts through the richness of the cream, while the basil adds a fresh, aromatic punch. As a result, every bite is a complex and delightful experience.
This combination has become a viral sensation for good reason. It feels indulgent and gourmet, yet it is surprisingly simple to make. By transforming it into a soup, we concentrate those amazing flavors into a comforting meal that you can enjoy any time of the year. Furthermore, the **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** version keeps all that deliciousness while removing the high-carb ingredients, making it an ideal choice for anyone following a low-carb diet.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto: The 12 Ultimate Steps to a Perfect Bowl
A rich and comforting keto-friendly soup inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a creamy Parmesan broth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown; remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat to medium and add garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Remove chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
9. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
10. Reduce heat to low and whisk in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until smooth.
11. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using.
12. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; do not boil.
13. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Chicken thighs provide more flavor and fat, making them ideal for keto.
Always add dairy over low heat to prevent curdling.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil give the richest taste; drain well before using.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently.
Soup can be frozen, but texture may change slightly due to dairy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
The Perfect Keto-Friendly Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto
To create the perfect **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto**, we must choose our ingredients carefully. The goal is to replicate the classic flavors without the carbs. Fortunately, the core components of the original dish are already quite keto-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need to craft this amazing soup.
The Chicken and Broth Base
The foundation of any great chicken soup is, of course, the chicken and broth. For maximum flavor, chicken thighs are an excellent choice because their higher fat content results in more tender, juicy meat. However, chicken breasts also work wonderfully if you prefer a leaner option. In either case, using a high-quality chicken broth or bone broth will significantly elevate the taste of your soup. A good broth provides a savory depth that water simply cannot match.
The Creamy Element
To achieve that signature creamy texture, we rely on a trio of low-carb dairy products. Heavy cream is essential for creating a rich, velvety base. In addition, cream cheese not only adds to the creaminess but also acts as a subtle thickener. Finally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese dissolves into the soup, lending a nutty, salty flavor that is absolutely essential to the Marry Me Chicken profile. Always opt for a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can add unnecessary carbs and affect how well it melts.
The Signature Flavors
This is where the soup truly comes to life. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are ideal because they are tender and carry a robust flavor. Be sure to drain them well before chopping them up. Fresh garlic and a blend of Italian herbs, such as oregano and thyme, build the aromatic foundation. Lastly, fresh basil, stirred in at the end of cooking, provides a burst of freshness that brightens the entire dish. Without these key ingredients, the soup would not capture that classic proposal-worthy taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, it is time to bring this delicious soup together. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** every single time. The process is straightforward and yields a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Season your chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Step 2: Sear the Chicken. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pot and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point. Afterwards, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Base. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor. Then, bring the broth to a simmer.
- Step 5: Simmer the Chicken. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Let it simmer in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 6: Shred the Chicken. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Step 7: Make It Creamy. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the cheeses have completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Step 8: Add the Final Flavors. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the soup gently simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top if you wish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Soup
While this recipe is quite simple, a few extra tips can help you perfect your culinary creation. Following these suggestions will ensure your soup is as delicious as possible. From selecting the right ingredients to proper storage, these tricks will make a noticeable difference.
Choosing Your Chicken
As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs generally provide more flavor and moisture due to their higher fat content, which is great for a keto diet. Conversely, if you are monitoring your fat intake more closely, chicken breast is a perfectly suitable lean alternative. You could even use a rotisserie chicken to save time; simply shred the meat and add it to the soup after you have built the creamy base.
Getting the Most from Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil is highly recommended. The oil is often infused with herbs and adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the pot. If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can rehydrate them in a bit of warm water or broth for about 20 minutes before using them.
Storage and Meal Prep
This **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** is fantastic for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream-based sauce from separating. While you can freeze the soup, be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture upon thawing. Nevertheless, it will still be delicious.
What to Serve with Your Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto
This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. However, if you want to add a side dish, there are plenty of excellent low-carb options. For instance, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a fresh contrast to the rich soup. Steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli also make a wonderful accompaniment. For those who miss dipping bread in their soup, a slice of keto-friendly bread is the perfect solution. You might enjoy trying this recipe for keto naan bread for a truly satisfying experience. For fans of hearty soups, exploring other options like a creamy keto Italian sausage soup can also be a delicious adventure.
The Health Benefits of a Keto Lifestyle
Enjoying dishes like this keto chicken soup is part of a broader lifestyle that many people adopt for its health benefits. The ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, shifts the body’s primary energy source from glucose to ketones. Many followers of this diet report benefits such as weight loss, enhanced mental clarity, and stable energy levels. According to Healthline, studies have shown that it can be effective for managing certain health conditions. Additionally, a warm bowl of soup is not only comforting but also a great way to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes, which, as noted by WebMD, are crucial for many bodily functions. Of course, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, as the Mayo Clinic suggests for any new health regimen.
Conclusion About Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto
In conclusion, this **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful, and low-carb meal. It successfully captures the decadent and beloved taste of the original dish in a soul-warming soup format. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it is also simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By following these steps and tips, you can create a meal that is sure to impress everyone at the table. So go ahead, give this incredible keto soup a try and discover why its flavors are truly unforgettable. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our keto crack chicken soup.
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Making a dairy-free version is possible, although it will alter the classic taste. You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. For the Parmesan, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy, savory flavor. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious soup.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover **Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto** should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling it to prevent the cream base from separating.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, a slow cooker is a great option. You would first sear the chicken in a pan on the stovetop. Then, add the seared chicken, broth, and aromatics to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, shred the chicken and stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup Keto good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can make a large batch over the weekend and portion it out for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient and satisfying meal on busy days.
