Are you craving a comforting, flavorful soup that's so delicious it'll make you want to marry it? Look no further! This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual weeknight dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with fresh herbs and tender chicken, and so satisfying you'll be making it again and again. Get ready to experience a culinary marriage made in heaven!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This simple step builds a delicious foundation of flavor.
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Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer and Cook Noodles: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Stir in Parsley and Season: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste the soup and add salt to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a delightful brightness. Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference in this recipe. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, but the fresh stuff is far superior.
- Don't Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Follow the package directions for cooking time, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early.
- Add Your Favorite Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. Experiment and find your perfect combination!
- Make it a Hearty Meal: Boost the protein content by adding cooked quinoa or wild rice along with the noodles.
Variations:
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Lemon Herb Marry Me Chicken Soup: Increase the amount of fresh herbs, especially parsley and thyme, and add a tablespoon of lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 8 servings and may vary depending on specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutrition calculator for personalized information.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love. It's also a great option for meal prepping – make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week! This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a quick dinner idea that’s sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!