Rotisserie chicken soup is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken. This soup is rich in flavor, packed with vegetables, and comforting on a chilly day. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the ingredients you’ll need, how to make the soup, tips for perfecting it, and storage suggestions.
Ingredients You Need for Rotisserie chicken soup :
To make a delicious rotisserie chicken soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Rotisserie Chicken:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin and bones removed)
- Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Broth and Seasonings:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add :
- 1 cup noodles, rice, or barley
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Soup :
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Set these aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Optional Ingredients
- Once the soup is boiling, add the shredded rotisserie chicken. If you’re using noodles, rice, or barley, add them now as well. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the grains are cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Leafy Greens (Optional)
- If you’re including spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will wilt the greens but keep them vibrant.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for Making Rotisserie Chicken Soup :
- Use Quality Broth:
- A good-quality chicken broth or stock is key to a flavorful soup. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works well too.
- Seasoning:
- Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and chicken, you may need more or less salt.
- Customize Your Ingredients:
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, peas, or zucchini can be great additions.
- Add Noodles or Grains:
- If using noodles or grains, consider cooking them separately and adding them to each bowl before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft in leftovers.
- Enhance the Flavor:
- Adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving can enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Texture Matters:
- For a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the chicken. This will create a creamier texture without adding cream.
Storage of Rotisserie chicken soup :
Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.