Rotisserie Chicken And Vegetable Soup
Highlighted under: Everyday Cozy Meals
I absolutely love creating comforting soups, and this Rotisserie Chicken and Vegetable Soup has quickly become a family favorite. With the convenience of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, I can whip up a hearty meal in no time. This soup is packed with flavorful vegetables and a savory broth, making it a perfect dish for chilly nights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever veggies I have on hand. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that warms the soul.
When I first made this Rotisserie Chicken and Vegetable Soup, I was amazed at how the simple addition of a store-bought rotisserie chicken transformed the dish into a homemade masterpiece. The tender chicken combined with fresh vegetables made it a total win. I recommend using seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and nutrition, and they make the soup ever so colorful!
One tip I learned is to sauté the vegetables before adding the broth; this enhances their flavors and gives the soup a richer depth. Each bite is bursting with taste, making this soup a go-to for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and comforting flavors in every spoonful
- Quick preparation thanks to rotisserie chicken
- Flexible recipe to use your favorite vegetables
Understanding the Ingredients
The beauty of this Rotisserie Chicken and Vegetable Soup lies in its versatility and the role of each ingredient. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken not only saves time but adds rich flavor to the soup without the need for extensive seasoning. The assorted vegetables like carrots and celery not only provide nutrition but also create a vibrant and colorful dish that enhances visual appeal, making every bowl inviting. Fresh vegetables can often be swapped for whatever you have on hand, which is perfect when trying to clean out the fridge.
The type of chicken broth you choose can significantly affect the overall flavor of the soup. A low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning better, while a robust homemade broth might enhance the richness of the soup. If you're opting for a vegetarian version, a vegetable broth can easily be substituted. Additionally, using fresh or frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
Cooking Technique Tips
When sautéing the vegetables, make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning them. You want them soft and fragrant, which typically takes about 5 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly. Adding garlic just a minute before the vegetables are done prevents it from burning and becoming bitter, allowing its aromatic properties to shine through when combined with the other veggies.
During the simmering stage, give the soup about 15 minutes to develop flavor. Stirring occasionally helps ensure that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot, which is crucial for preventing any burnt taste. If you notice the soup thickening too much, feel free to add a little extra water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Finally, adding greens like spinach or kale toward the end of the cooking process keeps them vibrant and nutrition-packed while ensuring they don't wilt into a mushy texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Soup
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have in your fridge!
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a simmer, then add the shredded rotisserie chicken, corn, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Cook the Soup
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to wilt them.
Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese when serving.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a slice of crusty bread or a warm biscuit on the side, perfect for dipping. For an added flavor boost, consider garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese which complements the soup nicely. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the flavors significantly.
For a fun twist, you could transform leftovers into a hearty casserole. Simply pour the cooled soup into a baking dish, top it with some puff pastry or biscuit dough, and bake until golden brown. This creates a comforting pot pie-style dish that’s just as fulfilling as the soup.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken and Vegetable Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portioned airtight containers. This makes it easy to pull out a quick meal on busy nights. When reheating from frozen, it's best to let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
If you find that the flavors have dulled after storage, simply brightening it up with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can reinvigorate the dish. Additionally, adjusting with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of spices when you reheat can make a world of difference, restoring that 'just made' taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken will work perfectly in this recipe.
→ Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
You can reduce the amount of salt and use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to cool it down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment with vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or even potatoes!
Rotisserie Chicken And Vegetable Soup
I absolutely love creating comforting soups, and this Rotisserie Chicken and Vegetable Soup has quickly become a family favorite. With the convenience of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, I can whip up a hearty meal in no time. This soup is packed with flavorful vegetables and a savory broth, making it a perfect dish for chilly nights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever veggies I have on hand. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that warms the soul.
Created by: Charity Bowen
Recipe Type: Everyday Cozy Meals
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Soup
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a simmer, then add the shredded rotisserie chicken, corn, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to wilt them.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese when serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 24g