If you are craving comfort and warmth in a bowl, nothing beats this classic Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s an absolute lifesaver on chilly days or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum flavor. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant veggies, tender pasta, and gently spiced broth comes together into a heartwarming soup that feels like a big, cozy hug. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet satisfying enough to feed a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind a soul-soothing bowl of soup. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of fresh flavor and comforting texture, making your soup truly stand out.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides a rich base and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- 2 ribs celery (sliced): Brings a subtle crunch and fresh, herbal notes.
- 2 carrots (sliced): For a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour: Helps to lightly thicken the broth for a luscious texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage: Adds a hint of earthy warmth essential for a cozy soup.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Enhances the herbal aroma and taste.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The rich, flavorful base that makes every spoonful satisfying.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth to keep the soup light but hearty.
- 4 ounces whole wheat rotini (or medium pasta, about 1½ cups dry): Pasta brings body to the soup and soaks up all those lovely flavors.
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient, tender protein that makes this soup truly special and fast to prepare.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Begin by melting the butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots, and cook them gently until they start to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the vegetables, setting a delicious foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Flour and Spices
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground sage, and dried thyme. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. This moves beyond just flavor building; it also helps thicken the broth slightly and melds the spices into the veggies, giving your soup its comforting depth.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Water, Bring to Boil
Next, pour the chicken broth and water into the pot and crank the heat up to medium-high. Bring this lovely mixture to a boil. This is when all those flavors start to come alive and mingle, giving the soup its classic comforting warmth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once you see bubbles rising, stir the whole wheat rotini or your choice of pasta into the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle low boil and let the pasta cook until tender — typically 7 to 9 minutes depending on the brand. The pasta adds texture and makes the soup wonderfully filling.
Step 5: Add the Rotisserie Chicken
Finally, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and let it warm through for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step instantly upgrades your soup into a hearty main dish packed with protein and comforting familiar flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe, simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness and an extra layer of flavor. These touches can transform your everyday soup into something special and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a soft baguette for dipping. If you’re aiming for a complete meal, a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables alongside this soup will round out the flavors and textures perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve your soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of cream or a dollop of pesto on top. You can even ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for that delightful interactive dining experience that always brings smiles to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge. Just transfer it to an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle reheat on the stove to maintain that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully for longer storage. Be sure to cool it completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and enjoy a quick comfort meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking down the pasta too much or making the broth cloudy. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While whole wheat rotini adds great texture and nutrition, any medium pasta like shells, elbows, or small penne will work just fine. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep the pasta tender but not mushy.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and packed with flavor, saving you precious time. However, you can use leftover cooked chicken or shredded roasted chicken if you prefer.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. The vegetables and spices still create a delicious, hearty soup.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, increase the flour to 1.5 teaspoons or let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce the broth. Adding some cream or a dollop of sour cream at serving time also gives a lovely creamy texture.
What are some flavor variations to try?
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, swapping sage for rosemary for a different herbal note, or stir in some fresh spinach near the end for extra greens. This Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe is wonderfully versatile for your creative touches.
Final Thoughts
With that perfect balance of hearty chicken, wholesome veggies, and tender pasta, this Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re warming up after a busy day or sharing a cozy meal with loved ones, this soup brings comfort, simplicity, and a touch of culinary magic in every spoonful. Give it a try — I promise it’ll soon feel like your favorite homemade classic.
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Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Rotisserie Chicken Soup is a quick and easy meal, perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. Packed with vegetables and tender whole wheat rotini pasta, it offers a hearty and flavorful option that comes together in under an hour. The lightly seasoned broth combined with aromatic herbs provides a warming and nutritious bowl ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta (about 1½ cups dry)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots, and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground sage, and dried thyme leaves. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring occasionally; this step helps to toast the flour and spices, deepening the flavor and slightly thickening the soup base.
- Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This will infuse the soup with the aromatic flavors and prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the whole wheat rotini pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil and cook until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, approximately 7 to 9 minutes (timing may vary based on pasta brand). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken and Heat Through: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired before serving.
Notes
- Using whole wheat rotini adds extra fiber for a healthier soup, but you can substitute with any medium pasta of your choice.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more flour when sautéing the vegetables or let the soup simmer a few additional minutes to reduce slightly.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pasta.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end of cooking can brighten the flavor.
