This warm and comforting Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is a perfect choice for a cozy meal. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies, all simmered in yummy broth.
I love that it’s super easy to make since you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Less time cooking means more time relaxing with a big bowl of soup—what’s not to love? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using olive oil for a lighter taste, but butter adds a nice richness. If you’re dairy-free, just stick with olive oil, or you can also use coconut oil as an alternative.
Onion: A medium yellow onion works great for its sweetness. If you’re out of onions, shallots can be a good substitute or even green onions for a milder flavor.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and nutrition. If you want a quicker option, frozen mixed veggies can replace fresh ones, but toss them in later, so they don’t overcook.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is my choice to control salt levels, but if you’re in a pinch, regular broth works. You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter option, though the flavor will be different.
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the soup! I love using a mix of white and dark meat for depth of flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breast, or boiled chicken works too.
Egg Noodles: While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use any pasta like fusilli or even rice if you prefer gluten-free. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Tender?
Getting your vegetables just right is key for a good soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by adding the onions, carrots, and celery together to the pot. They take about the same time to soften.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened, but not mushy!
- After the garlic goes in, it only needs a minute. Overcooking garlic can make it bitter, so stay close!
The key is patience—let them cook at a low enough heat, and you’ll end up with a flavorful base for your soup.
Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (white and dark meat)
- 6 ounces egg noodles or your preferred noodle type
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
Time Needed:
This lovely soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking, making the total time about 40 minutes. It’s quick to prepare and is perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften up nicely. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until it becomes fragrant. Keep an eye on it, as burnt garlic can ruin your soup!
3. Build Your Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
5. Add the Chicken:
Toss the shredded rotisserie chicken into the pot and stir well to combine.
6. Cook the Noodles:
Now, add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually around 6-8 minutes. You want them to be tender, but not mushy!
7. Taste & Adjust Seasoning:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. That’s how we get the flavor just right!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and, if you like, some fresh thyme on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness with crusty bread or rolls on the side!
This Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is a perfect dish for any day, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Using frozen mixed vegetables can save you prep time. Just add them to the pot when you add the rotisserie chicken. They may need an extra minute or two to heat through, so keep an eye on them!
How Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can make the soup in advance! Just prepare and simmer the soup until the noodles are added, then chill it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and add the noodles, cooking them separately until tender if desired.
Can I Substitute Different Types of Noodles?
Definitely! If you prefer, you can use gluten-free pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to whichever pasta or noodle type you choose, as they can vary significantly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the noodles absorb too much broth, you may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before reheating.
