Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the ease of using pre-cooked chicken with the classic flavors of a homemade soup. With tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, hearty noodles, and a flavorful broth made from scratch, this soup is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and satisfying. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with protein, and full of delicious vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or simply want a quick, flavorful soup, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.

2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the shredded rotisserie chicken. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles (or your choice of pasta) to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.

5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and add salt as needed. If you like a richer flavor, you can also add an extra splash of chicken broth.

6. Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the soup from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as peas, corn, or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist on this classic soup.

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta for a lighter version of this soup.

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like bay leaves, oregano, or parsley for additional flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until hot. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and makes the soup quick and easy to prepare. Just shred or cube the chicken before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. Just add the noodles when reheating.

4. How can I make the soup creamier?

For a creamier version, you can add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk to the soup after the noodles have cooked. Stir until the soup becomes creamy and smooth.

5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Add all the ingredients (except the noodles) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook.

6. How do I make the soup richer in flavor?

To deepen the flavor, you can sauté the vegetables for a longer time until they become caramelized, or add a tablespoon of butter when sautéing the onions and garlic.

7. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version or even beef broth for a heartier flavor. Chicken broth will still yield the best flavor for this soup, though.

8. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, reheat the soup and add fresh noodles for the best texture.

9. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Just add them when you add the chicken broth and cook until tender.

10. How can I make this soup more flavorful?

To boost the flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a few dashes of hot sauce before serving. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top also enhances the flavor.

Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience. Using rotisserie chicken makes this soup quick and easy to prepare without sacrificing taste, while the fresh vegetables and tender noodles make it hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a bowl of homemade soup on a cold day or looking for a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!