BEST ROTISSERIE CHICKEN MUSHROOM SOUP

The aroma of earthy mushrooms, savory chicken, and a hint of herbs simmering on the stove – that’s what awaits you with this incredible Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a hug in a bowl. I promise, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Crusty bread
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Why I Love This Recipe: The Magic of Rotisserie Chicken

Let’s be real, life gets busy! That’s why I’m a huge fan of shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor. Using a rotisserie chicken is pure genius in this Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup. You get tender, flavorful chicken without having to spend hours roasting one yourself. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers! The pre-cooked chicken adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, making this one of my go-to mushroom chicken soup recipes. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. It also cuts down on prep time considerably, making it perfect for those weeknight dinners when you’re short on time. Speaking of weeknight dinners, you should also check out my Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, it’s another quick and easy family favorite.

Selecting the Perfect Mushrooms

The mushrooms are obviously a star in this Chicken And Mushroom Soup. I usually opt for cremini mushrooms because they have a great flavor and are readily available. But you can definitely experiment! Here are a few other options:

• Shiitake Mushrooms: These have a more intense, earthy flavor. Remove the stems before slicing.
• Oyster Mushrooms: These are delicate and slightly sweet. They cook quickly.
• Portobello Mushrooms: These are larger and have a meaty texture. Remove the gills before slicing.
• Mushroom Blend: For a complex flavor, use a mix of different mushrooms.

No matter which mushrooms you choose, make sure they are clean and dry. Gently wipe them with a damp paper towel or brush them with a soft brush to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as they will absorb it and become soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

2. Add the Mushrooms and Aromatics:

   Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently.

3. Stir in the Herbs and Broth:

   Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer and Thicken (Optional):

   Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. For a thicker soup, you can remove about 1 cup of the soup and blend it with an immersion blender (or in a regular blender, being careful to vent the steam) and then return it to the pot. This is optional, but it adds a nice creamy texture without using a lot of cream.

5. Add the Chicken and Cream:

   Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heavy cream (if using). Heat through, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, crusty bread, shredded Parmesan cheese, or fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Soup

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the mushrooms. If the pan is too crowded, the mushrooms will steam instead of brown. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• Use high-quality chicken broth. The flavor of the broth will really shine through in the soup, so choose a good one. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Adding the chicken at the end prevents it from drying out.
• Add a splash of sherry or white wine. For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of sherry or white wine after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol before adding the broth.
• Make it vegetarian. You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken. Add some white beans for protein.
• Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make it ahead of time. This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze it for later. This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations to Explore

This Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add different vegetables. Try adding potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for extra heartiness.
• Use different herbs. Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or chives.
• Add a swirl of pesto. A swirl of pesto adds a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
• Top with crispy croutons. Homemade croutons are always a welcome addition.
• If you are looking for a creamier soup, my Marry Me Chicken Soup is another amazing recipe to try! It has a similar creamy element but different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Hearty Fall Soups

This soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with:

• Crusty bread: For dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth.
• A side salad: A simple green salad or a more substantial salad with roasted vegetables.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic combination!
• Garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread?
• For another fantastic pairing, consider a simple side of rice, like you might have with my Chicken And Rice Soup.

These are hearty recipes that make for a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for those chilly fall evenings.

Making it a Meal: Pairing with Other Chicken Soups

If you’re planning a soup-themed dinner, consider serving this Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup alongside other delicious chicken soups like Chicken Gnocchi Soup or the classic Chicken Noodle Soup. This creates a delightful array of flavors and textures, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Soup is always a good choice for a healthy and comforting meal!

Enjoy Your Homemade Soup!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to use up a rotisserie chicken and create a comforting and flavorful meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Happy cooking!