Hearty soup using rotisserie chicken with vegetables and noodles. Comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
-
400 g shredded
Rotisserie chicken
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150 g
Egg noodles
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2 diced
Carrots
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2 stalks diced
Celery
-
1 diced
Onion
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3 cloves
Garlic
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1.5 L
Chicken broth
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for garnish
Fresh parsley
Instructions
1
Build the base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds.
2
Add broth
Pour in 1.5L chicken broth. For the richest flavor, use homemade broth from the rotisserie carcass. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3
Add noodles
Add 150g egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook for 8 minutes or until the noodles are tender. The noodles absorb broth as they cook, so the soup will thicken slightly.
4
Add the chicken
Stir in 400g shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through. Don't boil vigorously — gentle heat keeps the chicken tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5
Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire bowl.
Why this recipe works
Rotisserie Chicken Soup is a fantastic way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken while whipping up a comforting dish. The combination of hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and egg noodles creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Using the carcass of the rotisserie chicken for homemade broth enhances the flavor immensely, resulting in a rich and nourishing soup. With the addition of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, this recipe brings vibrant flavors to each bowl. It's a meal that not only warms you up but also provides essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for any family.
Meal Prep and Cooking Tips
This soup can be prepared in just under an hour, making it a great option for meal prep. The ingredients are simple and widely available, ensuring you can whip it up whenever you desire.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use the rotisserie chicken carcass to make broth first — it's a game-changer.
- Add a parmesan rind to the simmering broth for umami depth.
- A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens every bowl.
- Cook noodles separately and add to individual bowls if meal prepping — they won't get mushy.
- The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Variations
- Creamy chicken soup: Stir in 100ml heavy cream or coconut cream at the end for richness.
- Mexican chicken soup: Add cumin, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Top with tortilla strips, avocado, and lime.
- Italian wedding soup: Replace noodles with small meatballs and add spinach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling too hard: A vigorous boil makes chicken tough and broth cloudy. Keep it at a gentle simmer — small bubbles only.
- Adding noodles too early: Overcooked noodles disintegrate and make the soup starchy. Add them in the last 8 minutes.
- Under-seasoning: Chicken soup needs generous seasoning. Taste frequently and add salt gradually until the flavors pop.
How to Store
Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For freezing (up to 3 months), store the broth and chicken without noodles — add fresh noodles when reheating. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until simmering.
What to Serve With This
- Crusty bread: Sourdough or French bread for dipping in the broth.
- Crackers: Oyster crackers or saltines are classic.
- Grilled cheese: The ultimate comfort food pairing — tomato soup's loss is chicken soup's gain.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken soup is more than food — it's a feeling. There's a reason every culture has a version of it. This recipe gives you all that warmth and comfort with the convenience of rotisserie chicken and a 40-minute timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in chicken soup?
About 280 calories per serving with 24g protein, 28g carbs (from noodles), and 8g fat. It's a light, satisfying meal. Use zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles for a lower-carb version.
Can I use the rotisserie chicken carcass for broth?
Absolutely! Simmer the carcass with water, an onion (halved), celery, carrot, and peppercorns for 2 hours. Strain and use as broth. It's richer and more flavorful than any store-bought version.
How long does chicken soup last?
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. It freezes well for up to 3 months (without noodles — add fresh noodles when reheating, as frozen noodles become mushy). The flavor actually improves the next day.
Is chicken soup actually good for colds?
Yes, there's science behind it. Chicken soup has mild anti-inflammatory properties, the warm liquid soothes sore throats and keeps you hydrated, and the steam helps clear nasal congestion. It's not a cure, but it genuinely helps.
What can I add for more flavor?
A parmesan rind simmered in the broth adds incredible depth. Fresh herbs (thyme, dill, parsley), a splash of white wine, or a squeeze of lemon juice all elevate the soup.
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