Introduction
Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of rotisserie chicken with the earthy goodness of mushrooms. This soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and a creamy broth, making it an ideal meal for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a cold night or something to serve at a family gathering, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. By using rotisserie chicken, you can save time while still achieving a rich, homemade flavor.
This guide walks you through each step of the process, offers tips for success, and suggests fun variations to make this soup your own. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup can become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and hearty, with tender chicken and mushrooms in every spoonful. It provides warmth and satisfaction, especially on chilly evenings.
- Rich, Flavorful Broth: The combination of rotisserie chicken and sautéed mushrooms creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and savory. The creamy broth brings it all together for a smooth, rich texture.
- Quick and Easy: Using rotisserie chicken makes the preparation process faster without compromising flavor. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you want a homemade soup without the effort of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you want a more robust mushroom flavor, extra creaminess, or a kick of spice, this soup is versatile and easy to personalize.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping and future meals.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
- Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 14-18g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 3-4g
Ingredients
For the Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups of chicken)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms (button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix), sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Special Equipment
While making Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup doesn’t require specialized tools, having a few key pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-duty pot is perfect for simmering the soup, allowing the flavors to meld together evenly. A Dutch oven works particularly well for this recipe due to its heat retention and even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: A sturdy spoon or spatula is ideal for stirring the ingredients, especially when sautéing vegetables or scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures you can easily dice the onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms without any difficulty. Precision helps with even cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that you add the right amounts of ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the soup into bowls without spilling, especially when it’s still hot.
- Mixing Bowl: A small bowl is useful for tossing the shredded chicken with flour (if you’re using it as a thickening agent), or simply to keep the chicken organized before adding it to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken. You can do this by removing the skin and pulling the meat off the bones. This will yield about 3 cups of chicken, depending on the size of the rotisserie chicken. Set the shredded chicken aside in a bowl.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the mushrooms thinly for even cooking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture. The mushrooms should start to shrink and develop a golden-brown color.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
Once the mushrooms are sautéed, add the chicken broth, fresh thyme (or dried thyme), bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot from sautéing the mushrooms.
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Thicken the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker soup, now is the time to add flour. In a small bowl, toss the shredded rotisserie chicken with 1 tablespoon of flour until it’s evenly coated. This step is optional but will give the soup a thicker, creamier consistency.
Add the coated chicken to the soup, and stir it in. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, which will help the chicken absorb the flavors and contribute to the soup’s thickness.
5. Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. The cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the soup is heated through and slightly thickened.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
6. Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: The beauty of this soup lies in using rotisserie chicken, which adds rich, smoky flavor without the need for hours of cooking. Choose a well-seasoned rotisserie chicken for the best taste.
- Sauté the Mushrooms Properly: Make sure to cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden-brown. This adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Adjust the Creaminess: You can control the creaminess of the soup by adjusting the amount of heavy cream. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.
- Consider Adding Wine: If you enjoy wine in your cooking, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the mushrooms. Let the wine cook off before adding the broth.
- Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: You can enhance the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrients.
Variations of Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup
- Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup with Bacon: For extra flavor, add cooked, crumbled bacon to the soup. The smoky bacon complements the rotisserie chicken and mushrooms perfectly.
- Chicken and Mushroom Soup with a Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist. This variation adds a little heat to balance the richness of the cream.
- Herbed Chicken Mushroom Soup: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley to create your preferred flavor profile. Fresh herbs bring a burst of flavor and color to the soup.
- Chicken and Mushroom Soup with Potato: Add peeled and diced potatoes for a heartier soup. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth, making the soup even more filling.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter to make this soup dairy-free.
Storage and Shelf Life
Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove over low heat.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup
Pair this soup with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A loaf of fresh bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Cheese: Pair the soup with a wedge of sharp cheddar or a creamy goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Grilled Sandwiches: A warm, grilled cheese sandwich or panini pairs perfectly with this comforting soup.
Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
A creamy and rich soup made with tender rotisserie chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a savory broth. This recipe is quick to prepare and delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups of chicken)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms (button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix), sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken. You can do this by removing the skin and pulling the meat off the bones. This will yield about 3 cups of chicken, depending on the size of the rotisserie chicken. Set the shredded chicken aside in a bowl.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the mushrooms thinly for even cooking.
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture. The mushrooms should start to shrink and develop a golden-brown color.
Once the mushrooms are sautéed, add the chicken broth, fresh thyme (or dried thyme), bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot from sautéing the mushrooms.
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
If you prefer a thicker soup, now is the time to add flour. In a small bowl, toss the shredded rotisserie chicken with 1 tablespoon of flour until it’s evenly coated. This step is optional but will give the soup a thicker, creamier consistency.
Add the coated chicken to the soup, and stir it in. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, which will help the chicken absorb the flavors and contribute to the soup’s thickness.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. The cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the soup is heated through and slightly thickened.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 14-18g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Protein: 15-20g
Conclusion
Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup is the perfect dish for anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful meal that is easy to make and full of rich, savory flavors. The combination of rotisserie chicken and mushrooms creates a hearty, satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the deliciousness of this creamy, comforting dish—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!