Craving a warm, comforting meal that comes together without a fuss? This rotisserie chicken soup recipe is your answer! We harness the incredible convenience of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, transforming it into a hearty, flavorful soup in no time. Get ready for a delicious, easy meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Soup
You’ll quickly fall in love with this simple rotisserie chicken soup recipe for many reasons.
- It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a wholesome meal with minimal effort.
- Using rotisserie chicken adds an incredible depth of savory flavor instantly to the broth.
- This recipe is a smart way to utilize any leftover rotisserie chicken you might have on hand.
- It’s highly customizable; easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
- Ultimately, it delivers the ultimate comfort food experience in every warm, delicious bowl.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting rotisserie chicken soup recipe. This list ensures a rich, flavorful broth and plenty of tender chicken and vegetables for a satisfying meal. You’ll find everything you need for a truly delicious homemade soup, fast.
- 1 rotisserie chicken (fully cooked, approx. 2 1/2 pounds, still on bone, optional)
- 12 c chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4-5 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp parsley (dried)
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp cracked pepper
- 2 c dry pasta (your favorite type)
- 1/4 c corn starch (can use arrow root powder for thickening)
- 1 T olive oil (for stove top method)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many ingredients. Choose low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching salt intake, or use homemade broth for an even richer flavor. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like peas, corn, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients. For noodles, classic egg noodles, orzo, or even rice are excellent alternatives to standard pasta. If using fresh herbs, triple the quantity of dried herbs listed for a vibrant taste. To thicken your soup, mix cornstarch or flour with a little cold water before stirring it into the hot broth.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy soup.
- A large soup pot or Dutch oven is essential for simmering all the ingredients.
- A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board will make quick work of your vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- A ladle is perfect for serving up warm, delicious bowls of soup.
Instructions
This rotisserie chicken soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Both methods yield a delicious, hearty soup perfect for any day. Follow these simple steps for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 8
Stove Top Method
- Prepare Chicken: Remove chicken from the bone and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer Flavors: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook Noodles: Increase heat to medium. Add the dry pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-12 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still firm.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the soup slightly thickens.
- Adjust and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade rotisserie chicken soup.
Slow Cooker Method (Optional)
- Prepare Chicken: If your rotisserie chicken is still on the bone, debone and shred it into desired pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, chopped celery, carrots, diced onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, sea salt, and black pepper to your slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Add Noodles: During the last 30-60 minutes of cooking (depending on pasta type), stir in the pasta. Continue cooking until the noodles are tender.
- Thicken (Optional): If desired, create a cornstarch slurry and stir into the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy this easy rotisserie chicken soup.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Make your soup-making experience even smoother with these helpful tips.
- Efficiently Debone Chicken: While the rotisserie chicken is still slightly warm, the meat separates from the bone much more easily.
- Prevent Overcooking Noodles: Add noodles only during the final stage of cooking. Cook them until just al dente, as they will continue to soften in the hot broth.
- Season Gradually: Always start with less salt and pepper, then taste the soup and adjust as it simmers. Broth can reduce, concentrating flavors.
- Thicken Effectively: For a lump-free thickening, always mix cornstarch or flour with a small amount of cold liquid first to create a slurry. Add it slowly to the hot soup while stirring.
- Best Reheating Practices: To prevent soggy noodles, reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Add a splash of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile soup is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. Serve your warm rotisserie chicken soup with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. Garnish individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Storage Tips
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze this rotisserie chicken soup for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when reheating, to prevent them from becoming mushy. When reheating frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm it on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Creative Variations
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in half a cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of traditional wheat-based noodles. You can also make it grain-free by omitting the pasta entirely.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot for those who enjoy a little heat in their chicken soup.
- Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content by adding extra veggies like sliced zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or even some frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and preparation methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, cooking techniques, and serving sizes. This rotisserie chicken soup recipe uses wholesome ingredients, offering a good source of protein, fiber from vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal choice.
| Component | Amount (per serving, estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-450 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 4-6g |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
FAQ
- Can I use leftover roasted chicken? Absolutely! Any cooked chicken, including roasted or baked chicken, works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred about 3-4 cups of meat.
- How do I make this soup creamier? For a creamier texture, stir in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free alternative during the last few minutes of simmering.
- What are the best noodles for soup? Egg noodles are a classic choice, but small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti also work wonderfully.
- Can I freeze this rotisserie chicken soup? Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results, consider cooking the noodles separately or adding them fresh when reheating to avoid sogginess.
- How do I prevent soggy noodles? Add your dry pasta during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, just until they are al dente. This prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This easy rotisserie chicken soup recipe is a true game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike. It proves that incredibly flavorful, comforting meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With the simple shortcut of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can enjoy a hearty, homemade soup that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new go-to comforting meal. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!
