Nothing says Christmas comfort like a steaming bowl of creamy, dreamy soup—especially when it’s my air fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup with sun-dried tomatoes. I stumbled on this recipe last holiday season when I needed something quick but special for unexpected guests. The air fryer works magic on the chicken, keeping it juicy while you whip up that luscious tomato-cream broth. The moment those rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes hit the cream? Pure holiday bliss. Now it’s our family’s Christmas Eve tradition—served in my grandmother’s scalloped soup bowls with crusty bread for dipping. Every spoonful tastes like a cozy hug by the fireplace.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup
Trust me, this soup is about to become your new holiday obsession. Here’s why:
- Creamy dreaminess: That luxurious texture from heavy cream melding with sun-dried tomatoes will have everyone begging for seconds
- Air fryer magic: Perfectly cooked chicken in 15 minutes flat – no babysitting a skillet!
- Bursting with flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes add that sweet-tangy punch that makes this soup unforgettable
- Holiday hero: Fancy enough for Christmas dinner, easy enough for weeknight leftovers
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for holiday movies and spiked cocoa
My kids call it “Santa’s soup” – it’s that special. And the best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now!
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup
Gathering these ingredients is half the fun – each one brings its own magic to this cozy holiday soup. I always lay everything out on the counter first, like little presents waiting to be unwrapped:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total – trust me, the air fryer keeps them SO juicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (that good extra virgin stuff for sautéing)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (the oil-packed ones add incredible depth)
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow for sweetness, but red works in a pinch)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best – that jarred stuff just doesn’t sing the same)
- 3 cups chicken broth (homemade if you’ve got it, but boxed is fine)
- 1 cup heavy cream (go full-fat here – it’s Christmas!)
- 1 tsp dried basil (rub between your fingers to wake up the oils)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (the Greek kind if you can find it)
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked adds a lovely warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (those bright green flecks make it festive)
See? Nothing too fancy – just real ingredients that come together like Christmas magic. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup
Okay, friends – let’s turn these simple ingredients into holiday magic! I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, dreamy soup that’ll make your kitchen smell like Christmas morning.
Step 1: Air Fry the Chicken
First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this is crucial for that perfect golden crust. While it heats, pat your chicken dry (moisture is the enemy of crispiness!) and season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika. When the air fryer beeps, pop those breasts in for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temp hits 165°F and the outside is beautifully golden. Set aside to rest – this keeps all those juices locked in!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the chicken cooks, heat olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it sweat until translucent – about 3 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic (stand back – that sizzle smells amazing!). Stir constantly for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Burned garlic is bitter garlic, so keep the heat moderate and your wooden spoon moving!
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Now for the flavor party! Pour in the chicken broth, then add those gorgeous chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Bring everything to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This is when the magic happens – the tomatoes plump up, the herbs infuse, and your whole kitchen starts smelling like holiday comfort. Meanwhile, shred your rested chicken with two forks – perfect bites are what we’re after!
Step 4: Finish with Cream
Here comes the luscious part! Turn the heat to its lowest setting and slowly stir in the heavy cream. I like to pour it in a thin stream while stirring constantly – this prevents curdling. Add the shredded chicken, let everything warm through for about 5 minutes (just until thickened slightly), then taste for seasoning. Pro tip: The flavors deepen if you let it sit off heat for 10 minutes before serving – but good luck resisting that first spoonful!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup
Want restaurant-worthy results every time? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Fresh herb magic: Swap dried parsley for fresh at the end – those bright green flecks make it festive!
- Salt smart: Sun-dried tomatoes add saltiness, so wait until the end to season. You can always add more!
- Cream care: Reheat leftovers gently on low heat with a splash of broth to keep that silky texture.
- Tomato trick: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, pat them dry first so your soup isn’t greasy.
- Chicken cheat: Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken – just skip the air fryer step!
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll have the creamiest, dreamiest holiday soup on the block!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients – no worries! Here are my favorite ways to tweak this Christmas soup while keeping that cozy holiday spirit:
- Coconut milk for cream: Makes it dairy-free and adds a tropical twist (use full-fat for best texture)
- Turkey for chicken: Perfect for using up holiday leftovers – just chop it instead of shredding
- Roasted red peppers: When sun-dried tomatoes aren’t handy – sweeter but still delicious
- Fresh herbs: Use 1 tbsp fresh basil and oregano if you’ve got them (add at the end for brightest flavor)
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice holiday kick if your crowd likes heat
The beauty? Every variation still gives you that warm, comforting bowl of Christmas joy – just with its own personality!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup
Oh, how you serve this soup is half the holiday fun! I always bring it to the table in my grandmother’s cream-colored tureen – the steam rising through the Christmas candlelight makes everyone ooh and ahh. For dipping, nothing beats crusty sourdough or garlic knots (the kids fight over the last one!). If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a simple winter kale salad dotted with pomegranate seeds. Pro tip: Float a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces on top with a parsley sprig – instant holiday magazine vibes!
Storage & Reheating
This soup gets even better the next day (if there’s any left!). Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow – warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens up too much, just stir in a splash of chicken broth to bring back that creamy perfection. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra for these delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients, but here’s the general scoop per serving: about 320 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated), and 25g protein. Remember, we’re celebrating here – that cream is part of the holiday magic!
FAQs About Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this holiday favorite:
Can I use frozen chicken? Oh honey, no – thaw it first! Frozen chicken won’t get that perfect golden crust in the air fryer, and it’ll throw off your cooking time. I just pop mine in the fridge the night before.
How do I make it dairy-free? Easy! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. It gives the same luxurious creaminess with a subtle tropical twist that actually works beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes.
Want more kick? Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic – just enough to warm you up without overpowering the other flavors. Perfect for chilly Christmas nights!
Can I prep it ahead? Absolutely! Make the soup base (just hold the cream) up to 2 days early. When ready, rewarm gently, stir in the cream, and add freshly shredded chicken.
Print
Creamy Christmas Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Soup in 3 Steps
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and flavorful Christmas-inspired air fryer chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Shred the cooked chicken and set aside.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American