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Warm up with a bowl of pure comfort! This ultimate easy rotisserie chicken soup recipe transforms a store-bought hero into a nourishing meal in no time. Forget lengthy prep; we’re talking about a delicious, hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love the speed, convenience, and incredible flavor this simple recipe brings to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Soup
You’ll quickly make this delightful soup a family favorite for many reasons:
- Quick Weeknight Meal: It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Uses Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Easily transform your store-bought chicken into a brand-new, delicious meal.
- Hearty, Comforting, and Nourishing: Every spoonful offers warmth and wholesome goodness, ideal for any season.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Basic pantry staples combine to create an incredibly rich and satisfying taste.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adjust vegetables and pasta to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting rotisserie chicken soup recipe:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (fully cooked, approx. 2 1/2 pounds), shredded
- 12 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4-5 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 cups dry pasta (such as egg noodles, ditalini, or small shells)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your soup! Use low-sodium chicken broth if you control salt intake, or rich homemade broth for extra depth. Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Swap the pasta for egg noodles, orzo, or gluten-free options. Fresh herbs work beautifully; just triple the amount of dried herbs. To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth and pasta are certified gluten-free.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy chicken soup.
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious rotisserie chicken soup recipe perfect for any day.
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken. Shred all the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, chop the celery stalks, and slice the carrots. Prepare all your vegetables before you begin cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant, allowing the spices to toast slightly.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the 12 cups of chicken broth and add the bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Develop Flavors: Allow the soup to simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. This helps soften the vegetables completely and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat. Heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Add the dry pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Ensure you don’t overcook it.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt or pepper.
- Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Master your simple chicken soup with these expert tips.
- Perfectly Shred Chicken: While the chicken is warm, use two forks or your hands to pull the meat from the bone. It shreds easiest when still slightly warm.
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Add the pasta during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking. Cook until just al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth.
- Deepen Flavor: For an extra rich broth, simmer the stripped rotisserie chicken bones in the broth for 30-60 minutes before adding vegetables.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. Different broths have varying sodium levels.
- Thicken Effectively: Ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding to prevent lumps. Stir continuously as you pour it in.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve this comforting rotisserie chicken soup recipe steaming hot. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, fresh rolls, or a side of crackers for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of broth when reheating if it’s too thick.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Add Different Veggies: Experiment with peas, corn, green beans, or even diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes with the other seasonings for a touch of heat.
- Beans for Fiber: Stir in a can of drained cannellini beans or great northern beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
Enjoying a bowl of this nutritious chicken soup provides several health benefits. It offers a good source of protein, essential vitamins from the vegetables, and hydrating broth.
According to Health.com, chicken soup can provide anti-inflammatory benefits and help ease cold and flu symptoms.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and serving sizes.
| Nutrients | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 8-12g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
FAQ
You asked, we answered! Here are common questions about this easy chicken soup.
Can I use raw chicken instead?
Yes, you can! Simmer 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs in the broth until cooked through, then remove, shred, and add back to the soup.
How long does rotisserie chicken soup last?
This soup stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always ensure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté vegetables first, then add all ingredients (except pasta and slurry) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add pasta for the last 30 minutes, and slurry if thickening is desired.
What kind of pasta is best?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, small shells, or egg noodles work best. They cook quickly and are easy to eat with a spoon.
How do I make it creamier?
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely richness and creamy texture.
Conclusion
This easy rotisserie chicken soup recipe is truly a culinary lifesaver, especially for busy parents and beginner cooks. It proves that incredibly flavorful, hearty meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a comforting bowl of deliciousness that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. So, grab a rotisserie chicken, gather your ingredients, and make this wonderful soup tonight! We’d love to hear how your creation turned out – share your soup experiences with us!
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken fully cooked, shredded (about 2.5 lbs)
- 12 cups chicken broth
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 4-5 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 cups dry pasta (egg noodles, shells, or ditalini)
- 0.25 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Remove skin and bones from rotisserie chicken. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Dice onion, chop celery, and slice carrots. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute to toast spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer soup uncovered for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Add shredded chicken and heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in dry pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions (8–12 minutes).
- Mix cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water. Slowly add slurry to simmering soup while stirring. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot.
