This warm and cozy chicken noodle soup is perfect for any day! It features tender rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies, and comforting noodles in a tasty broth.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. It feels like a hug in a bowl—especially on chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the soup. It’s already cooked, saving you time. If you don’t have one, cooked chicken breast or thighs from leftover meals work well too!
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth gives the best flavor, but low-sodium store-bought broth is a great alternative. For a lighter soup, vegetable broth can also be used.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic here, but feel free to add in other veggies you have, like peas or green beans. They can enhance the flavor and nutrition!
Noodles: I love wide egg noodles for their texture. However, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer or have on hand, like rotini or small shells.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the veggies just right makes the soup delicious. Start by cooking the onions, carrots, and celery. Here’s how:
- Heat oil or butter in your pot over medium heat.
- Add your chopped onions first and let them soften for a few minutes.
- Next, add the carrots and celery, cooking until they are tender but still a bit crunchy.
This way, your veggies will be flavorful and maintain a bit of their texture in the finished soup!
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 pounds), shredded, skin removed
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups wide egg noodles or large pasta noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare, including about 10 minutes for chopping and sautéing the vegetables, and 20 minutes for the soup to simmer and cook the noodles. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft but not mushy.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant. This will give your soup a wonderful aroma!
3. Add the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Mix in the Chicken and Herbs:
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot along with the dried thyme and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and give it a good stir.
5. Simmer to Combine Flavors:
Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This time allows all those lovely flavors to mix together and the chicken to heat up fully.
6. Cook the Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the egg noodles to the soup. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 6-8 minutes.
7. Final Seasoning:
Once the noodles are cooked, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be delicious and comforting!
8. Serve It Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh parsley and thyme sprigs if you like. It makes for a beautiful presentation!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your hearty Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup hot, alongside some crusty bread or your favorite crackers. Enjoy each soothing spoonful!
This soup not only warms your body but also your heart. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it into pieces and follow the recipe as directed. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve added noodles, they may absorb some broth, so consider adding a little more broth when reheating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It should keep well for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No problem! You can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like rotini, penne, or even rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
