There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. But sometimes, you just don’t have the time or energy to roast a whole chicken and make the broth from scratch. That’s where rotisserie chicken comes in. With its juicy meat and flavorful skin, it’s the perfect shortcut to a delicious pot of soup.
So, how do you make chicken noodle soup from rotisserie chicken? It’s easier than you think. Start by removing the meat from the bones and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. This chicken will add a rich flavor to your soup.
Next, it’s time to make the broth. Pour some chicken broth into a pot and bring it to a simmer. You can also add some diced onions, carrots, and celery to enhance the flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Finally, add the shredded chicken and some egg noodles to the pot and cook until the noodles are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. The result will be a hearty and satisfying bowl of chicken noodle soup that will warm you from the inside out.
So the next time you’re craving homemade chicken noodle soup but don’t have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Preparing the Rotisserie Chicken
To start making chicken noodle soup with a rotisserie chicken, you will need to first prepare the chicken. Remove the chicken from its packaging and discard any additional seasoning or sauce that may be included.
After removing the chicken, you will need to shred the meat. Start by removing the skin from the chicken. Then, using a fork or your hands, carefully pull the meat off the bones. Discard the bones and any undesirable fatty or gristly bits.
Once the meat is removed, shred it into smaller pieces. You can use your hands or two forks to do this. The size of the shredded chicken pieces is up to your personal preference.
Now that the rotisserie chicken is prepared, you can move on to the next step of making your delicious chicken noodle soup.
Removing the Chicken Meat
Once you have your rotisserie chicken, the first step is to remove the meat from the bones. This can be done easily and efficiently by following these steps:
- Place the rotisserie chicken on a cutting board and use a clean and sharp knife to remove the legs and wings. Set them aside.
- Next, carefully remove the breast meat by cutting along the breastbone, making sure to separate it as cleanly as possible.
- Once the breast meat is removed, you can use your fingers or a fork to shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- After removing the breast meat, check for any remaining meat on the carcass, especially in hard-to-reach places like the joints. Gently pull away any remaining bits of meat.
- Repeat the process with the legs and wings, separating the meat from the bones and shredding it into small pieces.
As you remove the chicken meat, be sure to discard any skin, bones, or unwanted fatty pieces. Only use the tender, juicy meat for your chicken noodle soup.
Shredding the Chicken
Once the rotisserie chicken has cooled down a bit, it’s time to start shredding it. Shredding the chicken is an important step in making chicken noodle soup, as it allows the chicken to distribute evenly throughout the soup and provides a pleasant texture for each spoonful.
To shred the chicken, simply use your hands or a fork to pull the meat away from the bones. Start with the breasts and thighs, pulling the meat into thin strips. Then move on to the wings and drumsticks. Don’t forget about the tender meat near the bone, as it’s often the most flavorful.
If you prefer smaller pieces of chicken in your soup, you can use a knife to chop the shredded meat into smaller chunks. This will ensure that every bite you take has a good amount of chicken in it.
Once you’ve finished shredding the chicken, set it aside and move on to the next step of preparing your delicious chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
Rotisserie chicken | 1. Allow the chicken to cool down.
2. Use your hands or a fork to shred the chicken. 3. Pull the meat away from the bones in thin strips. 4. Chop the shredded meat into smaller chunks, if desired. 5. Set the shredded chicken aside and continue with the soup preparation. |
Making the Chicken Noodle Soup
To make the chicken noodle soup, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
Ingredients: |
---|
1 rotisserie chicken |
1 tablespoon vegetable oil |
1 onion, diced |
2 carrots, sliced |
2 celery stalks, sliced |
4 cups chicken broth |
2 cups water |
1 teaspoon dried thyme |
1 teaspoon dried parsley |
1 cup egg noodles |
Salt and pepper to taste |
First, remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the dried thyme and dried parsley.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
After the soup has simmered, add the cooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start making your chicken noodle soup, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Start with a cooked rotisserie chicken. The tender and flavorful meat will be the perfect addition to your soup.
2. Chicken Broth
You’ll need about 4 cups of chicken broth to make the base of the soup. You can use store-bought chicken broth or make your own at home.
3. Vegetables
Add a variety of vegetables to your soup for extra flavor and nutrition. You can use carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Chop them up into small pieces.
4. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are a classic addition to chicken noodle soup. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked egg noodles. You can use any type of egg noodles you prefer.
5. Seasonings
For seasoning, you’ll need salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you enjoy. Popular options include thyme, rosemary, parsley, and bay leaves.
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and enjoyable.
Cooking the Soup
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. While the broth is simmering, shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Remove the skin and bones before adding the chicken to the soup.
5. Once the broth has simmered, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
6. In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and then add them to the soup.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or dried herbs to taste.
8. Serve the chicken noodle soup hot and enjoy!
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
1 rotisserie chicken | Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, removing the skin and bones. |
1 tablespoon olive oil | Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. |
1 onion, diced | Add the onion to the pot and cook until soft and tender. |
2 carrots, diced | Add the carrots to the pot and cook until soft. |
2 celery stalks, diced | Add the celery to the pot and cook until tender. |
3 cloves garlic, minced | Add the garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant. |
6 cups chicken broth | Pour the broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. |
1 teaspoon dried thyme | Stir the thyme into the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. |
1 teaspoon dried parsley | Stir the parsley into the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. |
Salt and black pepper to taste | Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. |
8 oz egg noodles | Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add to the soup. |
Serving and Enjoying
Once your chicken noodle soup is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Follow these steps to make the most out of your homemade soup:
1. Ladle the Soup
Using a ladle, transfer the chicken noodle soup into bowls. Make sure each bowl has a good balance of chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
2. Garnish
For an added touch of flavor and freshness, consider garnishing your soup with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
3. Serve with Bread or Crackers
A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or some crispy crackers. This will add a different texture to your meal, making it more satisfying.
Pro-tip: If you’re feeling creative, you can even make your own homemade bread or crackers to serve with the soup.
4. Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy
Now that everything is ready, find a comfortable spot, grab a spoon, and dig into your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup. Enjoy the warmth and comforting flavors, savoring each bite. Let the soup soothe your body and soul.
Store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The chicken noodle soup can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
So go ahead, make a big batch of chicken noodle soup from rotisserie chicken, and share it with your loved ones. It’s a simple, satisfying, and nourishing meal that will warm both the stomach and the heart.
FAQ
Can I make chicken noodle soup using a rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can make chicken noodle soup using a rotisserie chicken. The already cooked rotisserie chicken adds a lot of flavor to the soup and makes it a quick and easy meal to prepare.
Can I freeze the chicken noodle soup made from a rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken noodle soup made from a rotisserie chicken. Once the soup is cooked and cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.