If you’re anything like me, there’s just something incredibly soothing about a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with you—it’s quick, comforting, and uses that beautifully cooked rotisserie chicken to make life so much easier without sacrificing any of the rich, cozy flavors. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back to it, especially on those chilly evenings or when you need a little taste of home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: Using rotisserie chicken cuts down your prep time without compromising flavor.
- Comfort Food Classic: Perfectly tender veggies, savory herbs, and comforting noodles all simmered into one delicious pot.
- Perfect for Anytime: It’s a hit for weeknights, leftovers, or even when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Frugal and Flexible: Makes great use of leftover chicken and pantry staples everyone usually has on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here combine simple, wholesome veggies and fragrant herbs to build a flavorful base, while the rotisserie chicken adds unbeatable savory richness. I always recommend grabbing a good quality rotisserie chicken from your local deli, and use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and richness to your sautéed veggies.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory broth perfectly.
- Yellow onion: I like to use a medium one for just enough flavor without overpowering.
- Celery: Don’t skip—it brings that classic chicken soup aroma.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the savory notes beautifully.
- Dried thyme and parsley: These herbs add a subtle, earthy warmth.
- Bay leaf: That extra little layer of flavor magical in soups.
- Chicken broth or stock: Low sodium is the way to go to keep flavor balanced and salt in check.
- Water: Helps keep the soup lighter and balances the broth concentration.
- Uncooked pasta: I use small shapes like egg noodles or orzo—they cook quickly and blend well.
- Rotisserie chicken: The star of the show! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves so much time and adds loads of flavor.
Variations
One thing I love about this Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often adjust it based on what I have in the fridge or the season. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Use different noodles: Sometimes I swap the pasta for rice or gluten-free noodles—works like a charm and lets everyone enjoy it.
- Add greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale near the end for a boost of color and nutrition.
- Spice it up: If you like, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a subtle kick.
- Make it heartier: Stir in some cooked beans or diced potatoes to bulk it up when you want extra comfort.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped carrots, onion, celery, and minced garlic. I usually sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened but still vibrant—not mushy. This step is key because it unlocks the sweetness from the carrots and depth from the onions. Don’t rush this part; it makes a huge difference!
Step 2: Add Herbs, Broth, and Simmer Away
Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, and the bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth along with the water. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering allows all those herbs and veggies to mingle and form a flavorful base. I like to give it a quick taste here and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch of salt or pepper really brightens it up.
Step 3: Stir in Pasta and Shredded Chicken
Once the broth is wonderfully fragrant, stir in your uncooked pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it—since you don’t want overcooked noodles turning your soup gloopy. The shredded chicken warms through and adds that comforting protein punch you crave in a soup like this.
Pro Tips for Making Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken Bones: I sometimes simmer the chicken carcass with veggies for extra broth flavor before adding the pre-made broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Adding the noodles at the right time keeps them tender but firm.
- Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: If you have fresh thyme or parsley, toss some in towards the end for a brighter taste.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Always taste right before serving—sometimes a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt is all it needs.
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving—it adds a fresh pop to every spoonful. Sometimes I grate just a touch of Parmesan cheese on top to make it feel extra cozy and indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a warm crusty bread. My family goes crazy when I serve it with garlic breadsticks or even a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for dipping. It’s a total home-run combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or cozy dinner party, I like to ladle this soup into rustic mugs or mini Dutch ovens, then top with a sprig of herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. It makes it feel extra inviting and rustic-casual, perfect for sharing around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are the best kind of gift! I store my soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, I freeze this soup (without pasta, if possible) in labeled containers. When thawed, I add freshly cooked pasta before reheating to avoid mushiness. It reheats like a dream and still tastes homemade.
Reheating
I gently reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For leftover soup with pasta, sometimes I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. It’s a quick and comforting fix for any day.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can shred leftover roasted or poached chicken to use here, and it’ll be just as delicious. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds that ready-to-go flavor.
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What type of pasta works best for this soup?
I recommend small, quick-cooking pastas like egg noodles, ditalini, or orzo. They fit nicely in each spoonful and cook quickly without turning mushy.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can, by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skipping the chicken or using a plant-based protein alternative. Just remember it won’t have the same rich chicken flavor but will still be tasty.
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How long can I store leftover rotisserie chicken noodle soup?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze within 2 days of cooking to keep it fresh and safe.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe turns out every single time. It’s that warm, familiar hug in a bowl that’s so satisfying after a busy day or when you’re craving some soothing comfort. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving if you need to swap ingredients or throw in what you have. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it—give it a try and watch it quickly become a kitchen favorite like it did in mine!
PrintRotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is a quick and comforting homemade soup made with shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal using simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 leaf bay
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup water
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 2–3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened, releasing their aromas and flavors.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook Pasta and Add Chicken: Stir in the uncooked pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is heated through, ensuring everything melds well.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor to the soup.
- Low-sodium broth allows control over salt levels; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pasta can be any small noodle type like egg noodles, shells, or elbows.
- This soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 182 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 264 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 52 mg
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