Ah, Costco rotisserie chicken. For many of us, it’s the gold standard of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re buying it as a quick lunch or using it as the foundation for a variety of meals, it never disappoints. And what could be better than transforming that delicious, tender chicken into a comforting, hearty bowl of soup? If you’re a fan of the classic rotisserie chicken noodle soup, then you’re in for a treat. This recipe isn’t just any soup-it’s a satisfying, savory masterpiece that takes advantage of that juicy Costco chicken to create something truly comforting.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know to make your own Costco-inspired rotisserie chicken noodle soup. We’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, offer ingredient insights, and even suggest some ways to make it your own. So, grab your apron, your favorite Costco chicken, and let’s dive in!
Costco Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This is a simple yet rich recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft noodles is the perfect remedy for those chilly nights when you just want to curl up with a big bowl of comfort. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make using that already-prepped rotisserie chicken, meaning you can get a nourishing meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Costco rotisserie chicken noodle soup:
- 1 Costco Rotisserie Chicken (shredded)
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium for more control over the saltiness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced thinly)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for more vibrant flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for depth and umami)
- 1 ½ cups egg noodles (or any noodle of your choice)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step guide to making your delicious Costco-inspired chicken noodle soup:
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Prep The Chicken
Start by shredding your Costco rotisserie chicken. Make sure to discard the skin and bones-although the skin adds flavor, we’ll keep things lean and healthy. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
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Sauté The Veggies
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that you’re off to a great start!
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Add Garlic And Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Sauté for another minute or so, until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor to the base of your soup.
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Pour In The Broth
Now, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour in your 8 cups of broth and give everything a good stir. Add the bay leaves and soy sauce, and bring the broth to a boil.
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Add The Noodles
Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add your egg noodles. Let the noodles cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
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Add The Chicken
When the noodles are done, toss in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir everything together, and allow the chicken to heat through for another 3-4 minutes.
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Season And Taste
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your preference, and feel free to toss in a little extra soy sauce if you like a stronger umami flavor.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle your soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top if you like!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a distinct purpose, and understanding why they’re used can elevate your cooking game. Let’s break it down:
- Rotisserie Chicken: The Costco rotisserie chicken is the star of this dish. It adds that deep, smoky flavor to the soup, while saving you time since it’s already cooked and ready to go. The skin adds richness, and the meat-especially the white meat-is tender and juicy.
- Chicken Broth: The base of your soup. Go for a good-quality chicken broth, and if possible, low-sodium so you have more control over the saltiness. The broth is what carries the flavor, so you want something rich and savory.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These three are the classic mirepoix (pronounced ’meer-pwah’) that form the flavor base of many soups. The onion gives it a savory sweetness, while the carrots add a slight earthy sweetness and the celery gives a nice crunch and freshness.
- Garlic and Herbs: The garlic is key for flavor-adding warmth and depth. Thyme and parsley are classic soup herbs that bring in aromatic notes, while the bay leaves add that slight floral fragrance.
- Soy Sauce: While it’s not a typical addition in all chicken noodle soups, soy sauce boosts the umami of the broth, adding a savory richness. It balances out the flavors beautifully.
- Egg Noodles: The egg noodles are the perfect choice here, as they hold up well in soup, absorb the broth, and don’t get too soggy. If you prefer other noodles, you can experiment, but egg noodles are classic!
Expert Tips
If you want to take this soup from good to great, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Use Bone-in Rotisserie Chicken: If you want an even richer broth, consider using the bone-in rotisserie chicken. Simmer the bones in your broth for 30 minutes to extract all the savory goodness. Then, strain it and proceed with the recipe.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill can elevate the soup’s flavor even more. Toss them in right at the end, just before serving, for a burst of vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the Texture: If you like your soup thicker, you can purée a portion of the broth with the vegetables using an immersion blender. This will give the soup a more creamy texture without adding any cream.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic.
- Let It Sit: Soups always taste better after they’ve had a chance to sit for a bit. Make the soup a few hours ahead of time, or even the night before, and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Just make sure to reheat it gently.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, here are some great variations of this recipe:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth after the chicken is added. This will create a rich, velvety soup.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the rotisserie chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: For a bit of heat, toss in some diced green chiles, jalapeños, or even a spoonful of chili paste. This will take your soup from mild to bold.
- Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Brighten up the flavors with a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest. This adds a refreshing twist that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Final Words
This Costco rotisserie chicken noodle soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavors that’ll make you feel cozy no matter the weather outside. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to feed a crowd, this soup is your ticket to culinary satisfaction.