Costco Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe

Let’s talk about one of the most beloved items from Costco’s food court: the rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and almost always a crowd-pleaser. But what if I told you there’s a way to take that already-perfect chicken and elevate it into something even better? Enter the Costco Rotisserie Chicken Soup. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or you need a way to use up leftover chicken, this soup is an easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly option that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

When it comes to rotisserie chicken, the convenience factor is unmatched. You don’t need to spend hours roasting or seasoning your own chicken, and the meat is already bursting with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in how effortlessly it transforms a simple rotisserie chicken into a rich, hearty soup that feels like it’s straight from a gourmet kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this flavorful comfort food at home.

This recipe uses the ever-popular Costco rotisserie chicken as its base, paired with a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs to create a delicious, rich soup that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of savory chicken, earthy vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning to make every spoonful a comforting experience.

Ingredients Needed

For the Costco Rotisserie Chicken Soup, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients to complement the richness of the chicken. Here’s the full list of ingredients:

1 rotisserie chicken (Costco’s, of course, or any other pre-cooked rotisserie chicken you have)
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables
1 medium onion, diced – this will provide a rich, sweet base to the soup
2 large carrots, peeled and diced – adding sweetness and texture
2 celery stalks, diced – for a mild, refreshing crunch
3 cloves garlic, minced – garlic adds an aromatic kick
1 teaspoon dried thyme – for a hint of earthy flavor
1 teaspoon dried rosemary – complements the chicken beautifully
1 bay leaf – a little flavor enhancer that helps tie the soup together
6 cups chicken broth – for the base of the soup; use low-sodium if you prefer
1 cup frozen peas – a pop of color and sweetness
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) – optional, but adds sweetness and texture
Salt and pepper – to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice – to brighten up the flavors
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped – optional garnish for freshness

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the cooking process! This recipe is simple enough for beginners but yields a professional-quality result. Follow these steps for the perfect soup:

Prep the Chicken: Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the skin aside if you prefer a leaner soup. Make sure to remove any bones. You can also use the carcass to make your own broth if you want to get fancy!
Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Toss in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the herbs release their aroma.
Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you’re using a low-sodium broth, taste test for seasoning.
Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, peas, and corn. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. This is when the magic happens-the chicken infuses the broth with its rich, savory flavors.
Season to Taste: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed. For a little brightness, stir in the lemon juice just before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve hot. The freshness of the herbs will cut through the richness of the broth, creating the perfect balance.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients in this soup is just as important as the recipe itself. Let’s take a closer look at the components that bring this dish to life:

Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the show! Rotisserie chicken adds a lot of flavor without requiring you to cook chicken from scratch. It’s tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, making it the ideal shortcut for a busy weeknight meal.
Carrots & Celery: These are classic soup vegetables, providing texture, natural sweetness, and an earthy flavor that works well in broths. Together, they form the “mirepoix”, a French flavor base used in many soups and sauces.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup, chicken broth adds depth of flavor. Choosing a good-quality broth is key, so opt for one with minimal added sodium or, if you have the time, make your own using the chicken carcass.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and rosemary are staples when cooking chicken. These herbs complement the rich flavors of the rotisserie chicken and add a lovely fragrance to the soup. A bay leaf also adds depth, but remember to remove it before serving.
Peas & Corn: Both peas and corn are optional but work wonderfully in this soup, bringing a bit of sweetness and contrast in texture to the savory elements of the dish.

Expert Tips

Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make a big batch, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time and the leftover bones, making your own chicken broth will add an extra layer of flavor to your soup. It’s also a great way to use up the rest of the rotisserie chicken!
Customization: Feel free to swap in or add other vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach. They all work well with the other ingredients and provide additional nutrients.
Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. It will add an interesting layer of flavor and balance the sweetness from the vegetables.
Creamy Option: For a creamy version, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the soup just before serving.

Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:

Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes, a teaspoon of cumin, and a dash of chili powder. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a handful of tortilla chips.
Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream and some shredded cheese towards the end of cooking. This will make the soup rich, creamy, and indulgent.
Chicken and Rice Soup: Instead of using just vegetables, throw in some cooked rice to make the soup heartier. It’s a perfect way to make the dish go further.

Final Words

This Costco Rotisserie Chicken Soup is everything you want in a comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s nourishing and filling, with just the right balance of flavors. It’s the kind of soup you’ll crave on rainy days, or when you just want something that feels like a warm hug from the inside.

Plus, using rotisserie chicken as a shortcut makes it a breeze to put together, especially when you’re in a rush. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just need a meal for yourself, this soup won’t disappoint.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe