This hearty Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is so comforting and delicious! It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and warm noodles in a flavorful broth.
I love making it on chilly days—it feels like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves time, so I can focus on enjoying every cozy spoonful. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the soup! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time. If you don’t have one, you can use leftover roasted chicken or cook your own chicken pieces in broth until tender.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness. You can also substitute with vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor or to keep it vegetarian, though you would lose the chicken element.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic choices for soups. Feel free to add more like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor. If you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen mixed vegetables work great, too!
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to swap them for whole-grain pasta or gluten-free noodles if needed. Simply adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions of the substitute pasta.
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor in My Soup?
Getting the flavors right is key! Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery, which builds a base with great depth. Be sure to sauté them until they’re soft to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Don’t skip the garlic! Adding it just before the liquid helps keep its sharp flavor.
- Let the soup simmer to let the flavors mingle. It’s best to keep it uncovered for some evaporation, which intensifies the taste.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings. Adding a pinch of salt or a bit more herbs can make a huge difference!
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 lbs), shredded
- 10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite wide egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tsp fresh chopped parsley), plus extra for garnish
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, followed by around 30 minutes of cooking. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a comforting and delicious bowl ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-6 minutes until they soften and start to smell great!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Combine the Broth and Chicken:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded rotisserie chicken. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and throw in the bay leaf as well. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer and Cook:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the veggies to cook through.
5. Cook the Noodles:
After 15 minutes, add the egg noodles to the pot. Continue simmering the soup until the noodles are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Just keep an eye on them and follow the package instructions for the best results!
6. Final Touches:
Once the noodles are cooked, remember to remove and discard the bay leaf. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious rotisserie chicken noodle soup is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any type of noodle you prefer. Whole-grain or gluten-free varieties work well, just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Substitute the Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, if you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken or poach your own chicken breasts until tender. Just make sure to shred it before adding it to the soup.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply add all the ingredients (except the noodles) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Enjoy your easy slow cooker meal!