This Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick recipe transforms leftover rotisserie chicken into a hearty and delicious soup. It’s full of vegetables, tender chicken, and noodles, simmered in a flavorful broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for those times when you want something comforting and easy without a lot of prep work. Using leftover rotisserie chicken speeds up the process, while the addition of simple ingredients like carrots, celery, and pasta creates a filling, satisfying meal in under an hour. It’s a perfect way to stretch your leftovers into a new meal!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium celery stalks, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
8 cups chicken stock
6 ounces dried pasta or egg noodles
1 pound meat from rotisserie chicken, bones and skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces

Directions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned (about 8 minutes).
Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in garlic, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then add pasta and bay leaf. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add Chicken: Stir in the rotisserie chicken meat and cook for 5 more minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or replace the pasta with rice.
Add Greens: For extra nutrition, add spinach or kale to the soup in the final few minutes of cooking.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use other cooked chicken?

Yes, any leftover cooked chicken or turkey can be used in place of rotisserie chicken.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be made ahead for easy reheating.

What type of pasta should I use?

Any type of small pasta or egg noodles works well. You can even use alphabet pasta for a fun twist.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Use vegetable stock and replace the chicken with tofu or more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño can give this soup a nice kick.

How can I make this soup richer?

Add a bit of cream or a splash of milk to the soup for a creamy variation.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, using a frozen mirepoix blend (carrots, celery, onions) can save time and work just as well in this soup.

What type of stock should I use?

Chicken stock or broth is best for this soup, but you can use vegetable stock for a lighter, vegetarian version.

How can I thicken the broth?

If you prefer a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water or simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

This Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect way to transform your leftover chicken into a comforting, flavorful soup. It’s quick, simple, and packed with delicious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a cozy meal any night of the week.