Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe: Easy and Quick
When I first made this rotisserie chicken soup, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so rich and comforting. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken not only saved me hours.
But it also created a flavorful base for the soup that felt like I’d been cooking all day. It’s become a staple in my home, especially on chilly nights when everyone craves a hearty and warm meal.
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Ingredients For Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
- Whole rotisserie chicken (reserve the juices from the container)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 large carrots (1 halved lengthwise; 1 sliced into coins)
- 1 medium celery stalk, halved lengthwise
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ cups green beans, halved
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Note: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Variations to Try
This soup can easily be customized for different preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to spark creativity:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu cubes and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock.
- Low-Carb Option: Stick to the original recipe or add zucchini noodles as a substitute for traditional pasta or rice.
- Additions for Extra Flavor: Toss in diced onions for more aromatics or add cabbage for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free Add-Ins: Consider wild rice or quinoa to make the soup heartier.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.
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Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven: To cook the broth and assemble the soup.
- Slotted spoon: To easily remove solids from the broth.
- Small sauté pan: To cook the carrots.
- Knife and cutting board: For prepping vegetables and breaking down the chicken.
- Strainer: For straining the broth.
- Mixing bowls: To separate and store the soup components.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Soup?
Making this soup is incredibly rewarding, and despite its simplicity, the flavors develop beautifully.
Break Down the Rotisserie Chicken
To begin, carefully pull the meat off the rotisserie chicken. Divide it into two groups. Use the best pieces to add back to the soup later and set aside the less appealing bits, along with the bones and skin, to make your broth. This method adds richness to your soup while making the most of the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken bones, skin, and less appealing pieces. Cook these for a few minutes to release their flavors and create a base.
Simmer the Broth
Next, pour 5 cups of water into the pot with ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the halved carrot, celery, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the broth to gently simmer for 15 minutes as the flavors meld together. Once done, strain the broth to remove the solids and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrot pieces with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir regularly and cook until they are just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Separately, blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for 5 minutes.
After boiling, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
Assemble the Soup
Reheat the strained broth over medium heat. Add your shredded chicken pieces, sautéed carrots (with their juices), and blanched green beans. Stir in the reserved juices from the rotisserie chicken container for added depth of flavor.
Season with black pepper and any remaining salt if needed. To finish, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors in each bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This rotisserie chicken soup has something for everyone!
- It’s so easy to make with grocery store shortcuts.
- Full of hearty flavors, it tastes like homemade stock from scratch.
- You can customize it with endless ingredient combinations.
- It’s balanced and works for most dietary preferences.
- Great for busy nights but satisfying enough for special occasions.
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Soup?
Keep it simple or elevate the presentation for added flair! Serve the soup alone as a warming, low-carb meal. Alternatively, pair it with crusty bread, buttery biscuits for dipping, or a crisp side salad.
For extra substance, add cooked egg noodles, rice, or pasta directly into the soup. If you’re entertaining, ladle the soup into individual bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Arrange lemon wedges on the side for added brightness. Discover bold flavors with my easy Barbacoa Sauce Recipe.
Nutritional Information
This is a healthy and wholesome soup that’s great for most diets. Per serving, you’ll find approximately:
- Calories: 211
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 11 g
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the most convenient features of this recipe is that it stores beautifully. You can make the soup ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen as it rests, making leftovers even tastier.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions so you can quickly defrost only what you need. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warmed through.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Based on my experience, here are a few tips to make this soup even better:
- Always reserve the juices from the rotisserie chicken; it adds so much flavor.
- Use a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables if you’re in a pinch.
- Blanching the green beans elevates their texture and keeps them vibrant.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you want to enhance the soup further.
- Don’t skip seasoning at multiple stages for a balanced flavor throughout.
How to Turn Rotisserie Chicken Into Soup?
Turning a rotisserie chicken into soup is straightforward and efficient. Use the meat for the bulk of the soup, while the bones and skin create a quick, flavorful broth. Combine these components with fresh vegetables and light seasoning, and you’ll have a comforting dish in under an hour.
Is Rotisserie Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
Rotisserie chicken is generally healthy as it’s high in protein and low in carbs. However, the sodium content can sometimes be high due to the seasoning used. Choosing unsalted or minimally seasoned options and keeping portion sizes moderate can make it a nutritious part of your meal.
Enjoy this easy, delicious recipe that transforms a simple rotisserie chicken into a flavorful, wholesome soup that will warm you from the inside out!
Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- To begin, carefully pull the meat off the rotisserie chicken. Divide it into two groups. Use the best pieces to add back to the soup later and set aside the less appealing bits, along with the bones and skin, to make your broth. This method adds richness to your soup while making the most of the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken bones, skin, and less appealing pieces. Cook these for a few minutes to release their flavors and create a base.
- Next, pour 5 cups of water into the pot with ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the halved carrot, celery, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the broth to gently simmer for 15 minutes as the flavors meld together. Once done, strain the broth to remove the solids and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrot pieces with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir regularly and cook until they are just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Separately, blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. After boiling, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
- Reheat the strained broth over medium heat. Add your shredded chicken pieces, sautéed carrots (with their juices), and blanched green beans. Stir in the reserved juices from the rotisserie chicken container for added depth of flavor. Season with black pepper and any remaining salt if needed. To finish, garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors in each bowl.