This comforting Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies simmered in tasty broth.
Honestly, it’s perfect after a long day. I love whipping it up, especially when I use leftover rotisserie chicken—it’s super easy and delicious. Who wouldn’t want a cozy soup waiting for them?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star ingredient, providing rich flavor and warmth. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover roasted or grilled chicken. A plain boiled chicken will also work, just add some more spices for flavor!
Egg Noodles: Standard for this dish, but you can swap them for any pasta. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free noodles that cook similarly or even try rice or quinoa for a different twist!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are key for a classic flavor. If you’re missing any, feel free to add other veggies like peas or green beans. They can’t hurt the soup!
Herbs: Thyme and parsley bring freshness. If you don’t have dried thyme, Italian seasoning works great too. Fresh herbs are also a lovely choice if available!
How Do You Make a Flavorful Broth?
Making a rich broth is essential for a delicious soup. Start by simmering the chicken bones with water, which pulls out all the tasty flavors. Here’s how:
- Combine bones and water in a big pot and boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add half the diced carrots, celery, onion, and a bay leaf for depth.
- Skim off any foam during cooking—this keeps your broth clear and pretty.
- Let the mix simmer for 30-40 minutes for full flavor.
Taking time to build that broth makes your soup truly special. The lovely aroma that fills your kitchen will get everyone excited for dinner!
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 pounds), shredded, bones reserved
- 8 cups water
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
For the Soup:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
- 8 ounces egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook, making a total of about 55 minutes. You’ll have a delicious, homemade soup ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, place the reserved bones from the rotisserie chicken and cover them with 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on top to keep your broth clear. Add half of the diced carrots, celery, onion, a pinch of salt, and the bay leaf. Let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes to create a flavorful broth.
2. Strain and Remove Bones:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the bones and vegetables from the pot, discarding the bay leaf. Be sure to keep the delicious broth in the pot!
3. Sauté Veggies:
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the remaining diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until softened but not browned, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Add the sautéed vegetables to the broth, stirring in the dried thyme and parsley. Bring the soup back to a simmer so all the flavors meld together.
5. Cook Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook them until al dente, following the package instructions, which is usually about 6-8 minutes.
6. Add Chicken and Season:
Carefully stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken to warm it through, cooking for about 3-5 minutes. Taste the soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
7. Serve:
Ladle the warm and comforting soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the soup alongside warm rolls or crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy this cozy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup that’s both quick to make and absolutely comforting!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought chicken broth is a great shortcut. Just replace the water and season to taste since pre-made broths can vary in saltiness.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No problem at all! You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose so it remains properly cooked.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add tofu or extra vegetables for protein. Just skip the rotisserie chicken and opt for hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils for added texture.
