This Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, cozy noodles, and veggies swimming in a warm broth, it’s simple and super tasty.
You know those days when you just need comfort food? This soup is my go-to! Plus, using rotisserie chicken makes it quicker than a cat video online—totally a win! 🐱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the soup! It saves time and adds great flavor. If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, you can boil or bake chicken breasts and shred them instead.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control the salt level, making it healthier. You can use homemade broth if you have it. Vegetable broth works too for a lighter option.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap them for whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or even rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion create a great base. Feel free to add bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrients. Frozen veggies can work if you’re in a pinch!
Herbs: Dried herbs work perfectly here, but fresh herbs bring more brightness. If you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, definitely use them!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Vegetables?
Making sure your veggies are cooked well at the start is key for maximum flavor! Sauté them until they’re tender. This step releases their natural sugars, enhancing the soup’s overall taste.
- Heat your oil or butter first—this helps with even cooking.
- Add the onions first and cook for a couple of minutes to soften before adding carrots and celery.
- Don’t rush! Sauté on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies look nice and vibrant.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 pounds), shredded
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite noodle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and comforting soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook, so you can have a warm bowl of homemade goodness in just 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This step builds a flavor base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they release their wonderful aroma. This adds depth and a delicious herbal flavor to your soup.
3. Add Broth and Bay Leaves:
Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the bay leaves. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat. This will help infuse the flavors of the herbs into the broth.
4. Add Chicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the chicken warms up and combines with the broth.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 7-9 minutes—until tender. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
6. Season and Garnish:
Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the steamy soup hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup! Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little TLC in a bowl!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken or turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup. This is a great way to minimize food waste!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-friendly containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Do If My Soup Is Too Salty?
If your soup turns out too salty, try adding a peeled potato while simmering for 10-15 minutes. The potato will absorb some of the salt. Another option is to add more water or broth to dilute the saltiness.
Can I Add Different Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. This adds color and extra nutrients!
