Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something so comforting about a warm bowl of chicken soup, especially when it is packed with earthy mushrooms and tender rotisserie chicken. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that deliver layers of flavor without requiring hours of cooking. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also infuses the soup with a depth that tastes as though it has been simmering all day. The mushrooms add a rich, savory note, while the broth keeps everything light yet satisfying. This soup is hearty enough for dinner on a chilly evening but gentle enough to enjoy when you need something nourishing and restorative. I tried swapping in almond milk for a creamier version, and it worked beautifully. Whether you are making this for your family or for yourself, it is a recipe you will find yourself returning to again and again.
Comforting Rotisserie Chicken and Mushroom Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting soup made with tender rotisserie chicken, earthy mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs simmered in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and parsley. If using flour, sprinkle it over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Stir in cream if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra depth, use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, omit the cream.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rotisserie chicken
Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy while ensuring plenty of flavor. The meat is already tender and seasoned, adding richness to the broth. You can use both white and dark meat for a balanced taste.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the heart of this soup, providing a savory, earthy flavor. Cremini or button mushrooms work perfectly, but you can also use shiitake for added depth.
Onion
A diced onion forms the aromatic base of the soup, lending sweetness as it cooks down. It ties all the flavors together and enhances the broth.
Garlic
Fresh garlic cloves add warmth and a subtle sharpness, making the broth taste fresh and vibrant.
Carrots
Carrots bring natural sweetness and color to the dish, complementing the savory mushrooms and chicken.
Celery
Celery provides balance with its mild flavor and crunch. It’s a traditional soup ingredient that rounds out the vegetable base.
Chicken broth
A good-quality chicken broth creates the foundation for this soup. It enhances the rotisserie chicken flavor and makes the dish feel more wholesome.
Thyme
This herb adds a comforting, earthy note that pairs wonderfully with mushrooms and chicken. Fresh thyme is best, but dried thyme works as well.
Bay leaf
A single bay leaf infuses the soup with subtle herbal depth, elevating the broth without overpowering it.
Olive oil or butter
Used for sautéing vegetables, either option gives the soup a silky base. Olive oil makes it lighter, while butter adds richness.
Cream or milk (optional)
Adding cream or milk gives the soup a luscious texture. I tried almond milk, and it added a wonderful nutty creaminess without being heavy.
Salt and pepper
Seasoning is essential to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste as the soup simmers.
Directions
Start by preparing the vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and clean and slice the mushrooms. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, letting them cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. While the broth simmers, shred the meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Add the chicken to the pot and stir well. Allow the soup to cook for 20–25 minutes so the flavors meld together.
If you are using cream or milk, stir it in at the end of the cooking time, adjusting the richness to your preference. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or for storing leftovers. The total cooking time is around 40 minutes, including preparation. With prep taking about 15 minutes and cooking about 25 minutes, you will have a nourishing meal on the table in less than an hour.
Storage/reheating
This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop. If reheating from the fridge, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid boiling the soup once cream or milk has been added, as this can cause separation.
Variations and Customizations
Add noodles or rice
For a heartier meal, stir in cooked noodles or rice before serving.
Make it dairy-free
Skip the cream and use almond or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Use different mushrooms
Experiment with shiitake, oyster, or wild mushrooms for deeper flavors.
Add leafy greens
Spinach or kale stirred in at the end adds freshness and extra nutrition.
Boost the herbs
Try rosemary, parsley, or tarragon for a different herbal profile.
Spice it up
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives the soup a gentle heat.
Add potatoes
Cubed potatoes can be simmered in the broth for an even heartier dish.
Lemon twist
A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens up the broth beautifully.
Vegetarian option
Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth with extra mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Make it creamy
Blend half the soup before adding cream for a thicker, chowder-like consistency.
FAQs
Can I use leftover roast chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
What mushrooms work best for this soup?
Cremini or button mushrooms are classic choices, but shiitake or oyster add more depth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats very well and can be made a day in advance.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently.
How can I thicken the soup?
You can blend part of the soup or add a touch of cream to thicken it.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple side salad make great accompaniments.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, the soup is naturally gluten-free unless you add noodles or thickeners.
Conclusion
This comforting rotisserie chicken and mushroom soup is proof that a wholesome, nourishing meal does not have to take all day to prepare. With the convenience of rotisserie chicken, the earthy depth of mushrooms, and the warmth of aromatic herbs, this soup is both satisfying and versatile. It is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you need a touch of comfort. Easy to customize and make ahead, it is a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.
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