There are some meals that just wrap you up like a warm hug, and this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is absolutely one of them. Its creamy, comforting texture is utterly divine. Tender chicken shreds perfectly into a rich tomato broth. It’s a truly magical dish!
I love making this slow cooker chicken soup on busy weeknights. It simmers away all afternoon, filling the house with an amazing aroma. Dinner is practically ready when you walk through the door. Everyone in my family devours this tomato chicken soup.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is a weeknight warrior!
- So Easy: Just toss everything in the slow cooker.
- Incredible Flavor: Creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned.
- Comfort Food Bliss: It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup Ingredients
The magic of a fantastic Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in its simple yet deeply flavorful ingredients. This recipe comes together with pantry staples and fresh goodness, creating a dish that feels both comforting and special. Its rich, creamy base is the perfect canvas for tender chicken and vibrant tomatoes.
- Chicken Breasts: The star protein, providing satisfying substance. Boneless, skinless breasts cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic foundation that builds incredible depth of flavor from the first moment.
- Crushed and Diced Tomatoes: These create the luscious, slightly tangy tomato base. They meld together for a wonderful texture.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid base ensures the soup stays moist and helps cook the chicken.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems pack a concentrated, sweet-tart punch that elevates the entire soup.
- Oregano and Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring a fragrant, savory note.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a kiss of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Heavy Cream/Half-and-Half: This is the secret to that irresistible creamy texture. It makes the soup feel luxurious.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Spinach: A healthy dose of green that wilts right into the soup, adding freshness and color.
You’ll find exact measurements for these in the recipe card below! All these elements work in harmony to create that amazing Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup taste.
Substitutions and Tips
Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking!
- Herbs: If you don’t have dried oregano or basil, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend works wonderfully. Fresh herbs can be added at the end for a brighter flavor.
- Dairy: Full-fat coconut milk can offer a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream for a different flavor profile.
- Tomatoes: If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing, simply omit them. The soup will still be delicious.
- Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal heat preference. A pinch goes a long way!
- Storage: This slow cooker chicken soup refrigerates beautifully for 3-4 days. It may thicken upon standing; just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker: Your trusty set-it-and-forget-it friend.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient ratios.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions and garlic.
- Forks: For easily shredding the chicken.
- Large Spoon: For stirring the soup.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
First, place your chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic right on top. These aromatics are the start of something wonderful.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes, including their juice. Next, add the chicken broth. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Now, add the dried oregano and basil. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Give everything a gentle stir to combine well. Cover your slow cooker. Cook on the ‘low’ setting for 6 to 8 hours. Or, if you’re in a hurry, use the ‘high’ setting for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to pull apart.
Step 4: Shred and Reincorporate Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a clean plate or cutting board. Use two forks to easily shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the creamy tomato soup mixture.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess and Greens
Now for the luxurious part! Stir in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in the chopped fresh spinach. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 more minutes on high heat. This lets the spinach wilt and the soup get perfectly heated through.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Give your finished Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup a taste. Adjust any seasonings if needed. You might want a touch more salt or pepper. Serve this amazing slow cooker chicken soup hot. It’s lovely on its own or over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
Leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer keeping, this slow cooker chicken soup freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s great to have some on hand for busy days!
Tips for Success
- Chicken Quality: Use good quality chicken breasts for the best texture.
- Flavor Layering: Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes; they add incredible depth.
- Creaminess Control: Add cream and cheese at the end so they don’t curdle.
- Spinach Wilt: Stir spinach in just before serving to keep it vibrant green.
- Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy rice or tender pasta.
- Crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
- A simple green salad adds a fresh contrast.
- Enjoy with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup, packed with tender chicken, tomatoes, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on high, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve hot, optionally over cooked pasta or rice, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them.
- Heavy cream will yield a richer soup than half-and-half.
