Easy Homemade Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy Homemade Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Introduction
Craving a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup but short on time? Our Easy Homemade Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is your perfect solution! By starting with a flavorful store-bought rotisserie chicken, we've dramatically cut down on prep time without sacrificing that rich, slow-simmered taste. This recipe brings together tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and hearty noodles in a savory broth, making it a quick and delicious weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered all day long. Get ready to warm up with a bowl of pure comfort!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin and bones removed)
- 2 cups egg noodles (medium or wide)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld.
- Cook Noodles: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
- Stir in Chicken: Once the noodles are nearly done, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking the chicken as it's already cooked.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
- Homemade Broth: If you have the time, consider making your own chicken broth from the rotisserie chicken carcass for an even deeper, richer flavor.
- Noodle Storage: To prevent noodles from becoming overly soft or mushy when storing leftovers, you can cook them separately and add them to individual servings just before eating, or undercook them slightly in the soup.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle kick to your soup.
- Herbal Freshness: Swap dried herbs for fresh if you have them. Use approximately three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried (e.g., 3 teaspoons fresh thyme for 1 teaspoon dried).
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg (will vary based on broth selection)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, this soup can be made ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb more broth over time, so you might need to add a splash of extra broth when reheating.
- Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: It's best to freeze this soup without the noodles, as cooked noodles can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and then cook fresh noodles to add just before serving.
- Q: What if I don't have a rotisserie chicken? A: You can cook 1-1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, then shred them. Poach the chicken directly in the broth for added flavor, then remove, shred, and add back to the soup.
- Q: Can I use different types of noodles? A: Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can easily use other small pasta shapes like macaroni, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti. Adjust cooking times according to package directions.