Name: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken (fully cooked, approx. 2 1/2 pounds) (still on bone, optional); 12 cups chicken broth; 4 celery stalks, chopped; 4-5 carrots, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp cracked pepper; 2 cups dry pasta; 1/4 cup corn starch (or arrowroot powder); 1 tbsp olive oil (for stovetop)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 12 reviews

When the weather turns chilly or you just need a bowl of pure comfort, nothing hits the spot quite like Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe is the ultimate shortcut to a rich, deeply flavorful soup without spending hours fussing over a stovetop. The secret is using store-bought rotisserie chicken, which infuses every spoonful with hearty, slow-cooked taste—and shaves serious time off your prep. Overflowing with tender chicken, sweet carrots, savory celery, and a fragrant medley of herbs, it’s the kind of soul-warming meal that begs to be shared with friends and family.

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, honest ingredients make this Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup a standout staple. Each component is carefully chosen to deliver the classic flavors and textures we love—there’s no fluff, just pure soup magic.

Rotisserie chicken: The star of the show—already cooked and perfectly seasoned, it brings instant depth and tender, shredded pieces to every bite.
Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful canvas, soaking up the essence of chicken and herbs as the soup simmers.
Celery stalks: Add crunch and a subtle earthy note, plus that essential “soup green” color.
Carrots: Deliver sweetness and beautiful color, not to mention plenty of wholesome goodness.
Onion: Lends mellow, aromatic warmth and pairs perfectly with the other vegetables.
Garlic powder: An easy way to add savory depth—no peeling or mincing required!
Parsley (dried): Brightens up the broth and gives a gentle herbal finish.
Oregano: Offers a bit of Mediterranean flair, boosting the soup’s aroma and taste.
Thyme: Adds gentle, woodsy notes—the secret to that classic “grandma’s soup” flavor.
Bay leaf: Works behind the scenes to unite all the savory flavors as it simmers.
Sea salt: Enhances every flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
Cracked pepper: Adds a peppery kick and some balancing warmth.
Dry pasta: Choose your favorite—egg noodles or short pasta shapes soak up the broth beautifully.
Corn starch (or arrowroot powder): The secret to a silky, slightly thickened soup without any fuss.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables to perfection, adding gloss and just a hint of richness.

How to Make Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Chicken

Start by chopping the celery, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces—you want every spoonful to have a little of everything. Next, pull the breast meat from your rotisserie chicken and shred it or chop it into hearty chunks, saving a few larger bones for simmering. If you’re short on time or want a super-smooth soup experience, you can put the bones in a cheesecloth bag for easy removal later.

Step 2: Sauté for Flavor

In your largest soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onion, sautéing until the onions are just translucent and everything smells absolutely wonderful. This quick step unlocks deep, savory flavors that set the stage for your Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, parsley, and the bay leaf. Drop in the shredded chicken and the larger bones (or your cheesecloth bundle). Give everything a gentle stir, then let the soup come up to a steady simmer. Allow it to bubble away for about 30 minutes—long enough for the veggies to soften and the broth to become rich with chicken flavor. At this point, use tongs to carefully fish out any bones.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Once the bones are out, stir in your dry pasta. Keep an eye on things, as you want the pasta to go just to al dente—around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the shape. It’s better for the noodles to be a little firm now, as they’ll soften more in the hot soup.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Ladle out 1½ to 2 cups of hot soup into a small bowl, then whisk in the corn starch (or arrowroot, if using) until completely dissolved. Return this mixture to the pot, stirring well to bring everything together. The soup will thicken slightly, giving you that luscious, cozy consistency. Give it a final taste to see if more salt or pepper is needed, then serve hot!

Step 6: Slow Cooker Option

If you’d rather let your kitchen gadgets do the work, just pop all the ingredients (except the pasta and corn starch) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours. Remove the bones and add the dry pasta, letting it cook until perfectly tender. Stir in the corn starch slurry at the end as above, and you’re in business!

How to Serve Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

A little fresh parsley on top instantly perks up the bowl, making everything look as inviting as it tastes. For extra flavor, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can add just the right finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but nothing beats serving it with a hunk of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit to soak up every drop. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a lovely, light partner for the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

To really make Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup the star, ladle it into oversized soup mugs or pop it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, bistro-style vibe. It’s also lovely served family-style in a big tureen at the center of the table—perfect for cozy gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup can be tucked into airtight containers and popped in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making this dish even better the next day. If the soup thickens too much (thanks to the thirsty pasta), just stir in a bit of extra chicken broth when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, but for best results, freeze before adding the pasta to prevent mushiness. Ladle cooled, pasta-free soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, just thaw and add freshly cooked pasta right before serving for that just-made texture.

Reheating

Reheat portions gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so the soup heats evenly. If things have thickened up, another splash of broth or water will bring it right back to perfect. Try to only heat what you’ll eat to keep the noodles from getting soggy on repeat rounds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Egg noodles are a classic, but feel free to use any short pasta you love—rotini, penne, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cook time as needed; smaller shapes cook a bit faster.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

No worries! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand (even leftovers from another meal), or poach a couple of chicken breasts until tender and shred them for your Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

The key is to add dry pasta toward the end, cooking just until al dente. If you’re making the soup ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl just before serving for perfectly firm noodles every time.

Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and make sure your corn starch and other seasonings are certified gluten-free. The soup will be just as flavorful and comforting.

Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is fantastic for meal prep. Assemble the soup (without pasta) and store it in individual portions. Add cooked noodles when you’re ready to eat, and lunch or dinner is sorted for days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a big pot of cozy, classic comfort without the all-day commitment, Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is your new go-to. This recipe truly brings it all: flavor, warmth, and the joy of a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. Gather your ingredients, put on a favorite playlist, and enjoy the simple magic of making (and devouring) a soup that will become a family favorite in no time.