Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

A quick and easy chicken noodle soup made with the convenience of rotisserie chicken, packed with fresh vegetables, tender egg noodles, and flavorful seasoning. Perfect for a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient: Uses rotisserie chicken, so you save time on cooking and shredding meat.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Hearty and Comforting: Packed with tender egg noodles and flavorful broth.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
• Versatile: Great as a light dinner or paired with sides for a full meal.

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Preparation Phase & Tools

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot: Retains heat evenly and provides enough space for the soup to simmer.
• Sharp chef’s knife: For quick and efficient vegetable chopping.
• Cutting board: To safely prepare your vegetables and chicken.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Prevents scratching your cookware while stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.

Importance of These Tools

• A good Dutch oven evenly distributes heat, essential for cooking soups.
• Proper chopping tools help create uniform vegetable pieces for even cooking.
• Measuring tools ensure your seasoning is balanced and consistent every time.

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Preparation Tips

1. Mise en Place: Prep all your ingredients (chop vegetables, shred chicken, and measure spices) before starting to cook.
2. Pre-warm the broth: Speeds up cooking and maintains consistent soup temperature.
3. Noodle Tips: If you’re planning leftovers, cook noodles separately and add them to individual portions to prevent over-absorption.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 large celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

Protein and Broth

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3–4 cups)
• 8 cups lower-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Noodles and Garnish

• 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Mirepoix (Base Vegetables):

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
• Cook, stirring often, for about 8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

2. Stir in Chicken and Broth:

• Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
• Pour in the chicken broth and season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
• Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the Noodles:

• Once the soup is boiling, stir in 2 cups of uncooked wide egg noodles.

4. Simmer the Soup:

• Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 6 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Optional: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve warm and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness.

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Additional Notes

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Add extra chicken broth to loosen the soup if it thickens in the fridge.
• Noodle Variations: Try elbow macaroni or broken spaghetti as substitutes for egg noodles.
• Rotisserie Chicken Substitute: You can use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs if rotisserie chicken isn’t available.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup with these delicious accompaniments:

Main Serving Ideas

• Crusty Bread: Serve with freshly baked French bread or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Buttery Crackers: A light and crunchy addition to complement the soup.
• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle on top for a cheesy, umami kick.

Creative Pairings

• Add a side of garlic breadsticks for extra indulgence.
• Serve alongside a small Caesar salad for a balanced meal.

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Side Dish Recommendations

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Their buttery, garlicky flavor pairs beautifully with the soup.
2. Mixed Greens Salad: Toss with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adds a nutty, roasted flavor that complements the broth.
4. Steamed Asparagus: A light and healthy side dish.
5. Classic Coleslaw: Provides a crisp and creamy texture to balance the warmth of the soup.
6. Sourdough Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the hearty broth.
7. Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter: For a rich and comforting pairing.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet and savory combination to round out the meal.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Noodles
   • Wide egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. For best results, check the package instructions and reduce the cooking time slightly.
   • Alternatively, cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to maintain their texture.
2. Using Too Much Chicken
   • While tempting, overloading the soup with chicken can overpower the broth’s flavor and affect the texture balance. Stick to the recommended 3–4 cups.
3. Under-seasoning the Soup
   • Chicken broth can vary in saltiness. Taste the soup after simmering and adjust the kosher salt and black pepper to suit your preference.
4. Skipping Fresh Garnishes
   • Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that enhances the overall dish. Don’t skip it!
5. Not Letting the Soup Simmer
   • Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors. Rushing this step may result in a less cohesive taste.

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Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Add a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar to brighten the broth just before serving.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Boost the flavor with additional herbs like thyme or a bay leaf during cooking.

Recipe Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Herbs
   • Add a sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf while simmering for added depth.
   • Sprinkle dried parsley or dill for a more herbal flavor profile.
2. Customize the Noodles
   • If egg noodles aren’t your favorite, try elbow macaroni, fettuccine (broken into pieces), or even gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
3. Boost Nutrition
   • Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking for a nutrient-packed addition.
   • Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to include more vegetables.
4. Rich and Creamy Variation
   • For a creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the soup (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

1. Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
2. Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through.

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FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded leftover chicken works perfectly. Adjust seasoning if needed since pre-cooked chicken might have different flavors.

2. How can I make this gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.
• Double-check that the chicken broth you use is gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! Make the soup base without the noodles. When ready to serve, reheat and add freshly cooked noodles to maintain their texture.

4. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Freeze the soup without noodles for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

5. Can I use other meats or proteins?

Certainly! Substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked turkey, shredded beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

6. What other vegetables can I add?

Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, or even diced potatoes for variety.

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Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting classic that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With its tender egg noodles, hearty chicken, and flavorful broth, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

This recipe not only saves time but also offers endless opportunities for customization. Whether you’re pairing it with a crisp side salad or enjoying it with a slice of crusty bread, this soup is sure to be a family favorite.