Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe

Comforting Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy rotisserie chicken soup that promises pure culinary magic.

Leftover chicken finds its delicious second life in this hearty recipe.

Cozy kitchens buzz with warmth when this soup simmers gently on the stovetop.

Tender meat and velvety broth blend seamlessly, creating a remarkable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners transform with this quick and satisfying solution that comes together in less than thirty minutes.

You will love how effortlessly this soup becomes your new favorite comfort meal.

What Makes Rotisserie Chicken Soup Special

  • Rescue Weeknight Dinners: Transform leftover rotisserie chicken into a hearty, comforting soup that saves precious minutes during busy evenings.
  • Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Pack a powerful punch of protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and immune-boosting herbs that nourish your body in one delicious bowl.
  • Master One-Pot Wonder: Prepare a complete meal using just a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach with kale, adding different herbs, or adjusting cream levels to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Soup

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient and flavorful protein that provides tender, pre-cooked meat for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid base that creates the foundational flavor and provides moisture for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, creamy texture to the soup.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color, texture, and subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide a savory and aromatic foundation for the soup.
  • Mushrooms: Adds an umami depth and meaty texture to complement the chicken.
For the Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a base for the soup.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb used as a garnish to add a bright, green finishing touch.

How to Prepare Rotisserie Chicken Soup

Step 1: Kick Off the Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot and warm it over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they become soft and see-through, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Welcome Mushroom Magic

Drop minced garlic and sliced mushrooms into the pot. Let them sizzle and transform into golden, tender bites that add depth and earthiness to the soup.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot, creating a bubbling liquid base. Sprinkle in dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a symphony of warm, comforting flavors.

Step 4: Introduce Rotisserie Star

Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken, letting it mingle and warm up with the other ingredients. The chicken will soak up all the delicious surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Luxuriate with Cream

Stream heavy cream into the pot, creating a velvety, rich texture. Let the soup simmer gently, allowing the cream to embrace all the ingredients.

Step 6: Green Finishing Touch

Toss fresh spinach leaves into the soup, watching them wilt and add a pop of vibrant green color. Taste and adjust seasonings to make the flavors sing.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pair with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Rotisserie Chicken Soup

  • Use freshly roasted or poached chicken breasts for a more controlled flavor profile and sodium content.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for increased nutrition and hearty texture.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt to make the soup more heart-friendly.
  • Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if using store-bought rotisserie chicken and broth.

Variations of Rotisserie Chicken Soup

  • Southwestern Spice Splash: Replace thyme with cumin and add diced green chiles for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Haven: Swap paprika for oregano, include artichoke hearts, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style soup experience.
  • Autumn Harvest Blend: Mix in roasted butternut squash, swap spinach for kale, and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for a seasonal autumn version.
  • Asian-Inspired Umami Bowl: Add ginger, soy sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions for a rich, complex Asian-influenced soup variation.

Pairing Ideas for Rotisserie Chicken Soup

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the soup's creamy texture and enhances the chicken's rich flavor profile.
  • Rustic Sourdough Companion: Serve alongside a warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the velvety broth and add delightful textural contrast.
  • Fresh Herb Garden Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and thyme to balance the soup's creaminess and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Roasted Garlic Focaccia: Bake a warm focaccia bread sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt to offer a delicious, aromatic side that perfectly matches the soup's robust flavors.

Storing Rotisserie Chicken Soup Correctly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months, avoiding dairy-heavy soups as cream might separate upon thawing.

Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if the soup has thickened during storage.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen rotisserie chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw the frozen chicken completely before adding to the soup. Ensure it’s heated through evenly.

  • Is there a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream?

You can substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture without dairy.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add white beans, quinoa, or extra shredded chicken to increase the protein content of the soup.

  • What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Use dried thyme as a substitute. Generally, use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs.

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Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty rotisserie chicken soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender meat with rich, velvety broth. Simmering with aromatic herbs and wholesome vegetables, you’ll savor each spoonful of this soul-warming culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a spacious cooking vessel, warm olive oil over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pot, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich golden hue, continuing to cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, elevating the heat to create a gentle simmer. Incorporate thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to blend the aromatic seasonings thoroughly.
  4. Fold in the tender shredded rotisserie chicken, letting it warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors for 5 minutes.
  5. Gradually stream heavy cream into the simmering mixture, creating a luxurious and velvety texture. Allow the soup to maintain a delicate simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Gently cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, stirring until they gracefully wilt and integrate with the other ingredients, which should take 1-2 minutes.
  7. Taste and fine-tune seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Ladle the soup into warming bowls, optionally adorning with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Complement with a crusty bread for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover grilled or poached chicken to reduce sodium and control ingredient quality.
  • Use plant-based cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the soup’s rich, creamy texture.
  • Consider adding quinoa or white beans for extra protein and to make the soup more filling without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
  • Reduce cooking time for spinach to preserve its bright green color and maximize nutritional benefits, adding it just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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