Let's welcome the onset of soup season by taking the edge off these chilly days with my Low Carb Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup, the perfect easy chicken soup recipe.
This recipe transforms your leftover rotisserie chicken into a nourishing, keto-friendly delight loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs. Ideal for anyone like me who is embracing a low carb lifestyle, this flavorful chicken soup is not just a leftover chicken soup recipe; it warms the soul with every spoonful.
This recipe is: LOW CARB, KETO-FRIENDLY and GLUTEN FREE.
Inspiration for the Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe
The idea for this Low Carb Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup came to me on a chilly day when my wife was feeling under the weather with a cold. In our house, nothing says comfort food like a hearty bowl of chicken soup, but all I had was a rotisserie chicken I had cooked the day before.
That's when it clicked – why not use the leftover chicken meat and create a tasty soup? It was the perfect opportunity to experiment with a low carb version of a classic chicken soup but without egg noodles or wild rice.
I got to work, defrosting my homemade broth and then gathering up all the low carb and keto-friendly veggies I could find in our kitchen. Each ingredient was chosen as a great way to pack in flavor. The result was incredible – a soup that was not only a hug in a bowl for my wife but also a delicious way for the whole family to enjoy dinner later that day.
Is Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Low Carb or Keto-Friendly?
Absolutely! My Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup is a dream come true for anyone following a low carb or keto lifestyle. The soup is teeming with veggies like celery stalks, cauliflower, and zucchini, all known for their low carbohydrate content and nutritional richness.
This makes the soup keto-friendly and packed with amazing flavors.
You can use your own bone broth or make a flavorful broth from scratch using leftover chicken bones or the chicken carcass. It takes a little extra time but adds amazing flavor.
The beauty of using leftover cooked chicken lies in its simplicity and versatility. Rotisserie chicken is a staple while in keto. It brings heartiness to the soup without adding any extra carbs. It’s filling, nutritious, and most importantly, aligns with the lifestyle.
Ingredients for the Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup
The magic of this soup lies in its blend of fresh, low carb ingredients, each adding its unique flavor to make every spoonful a delight. Here’s what you’ll need to create this winter-warming soup:
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the soup, rotisserie chicken brings a rich, deep flavor and an excellent source of protein, essential for a fulfilling low carb meal. For this recipe, you can use any shredded chicken, chopped chicken breast, or chicken leftovers.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth as the base adds depth and warmth to the soup, complimenting the other ingredients. If you don't have chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth or, in a pinch, just cold water.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are key for building a foundation of flavor. Using yellow onions adds a subtle sweetness, while fresh garlic brings its characteristic pungent, earthy notes.
Celery: Adds a crisp texture and a familiar taste, contributing to the soup’s nutrient profile without adding significant carbs.
Zucchini: This low carb vegetable is a fantastic way to bulk up the soup with its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture.
Cauliflower Florets: A great low carb alternative to potatoes or carrots, cauliflower adds body and heartiness to the soup.
Baby Bella Mushrooms: Known for their meaty texture, these mushrooms lend an earthy depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats, olive oil is used for sautéing, contributing to the soup’s richness and helping those veggies sweat.
Dried Thyme and Oregano: These herbs infuse the soup with the flavors that complement all the other ingredients. If you prefer, you can use fresh herbs too.
Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup. Try to use either kosher or sea salt rather than table salt. If you do use table salt, cut back to perhaps 1 teaspoon to prevent over-salting.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice is the easiest way to add a bright, refreshing twist, cutting through the richness of the soup.
Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish, parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.
KEEP IN MIND: If you are using store-bought rotisserie chicken, to check the label for hidden sugars or starches.
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Bring this homemade chicken soup recipe to your table:
Start by preparing your vegetables. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a stock pot or other large pot on the stove top. Add the diced onion and minced garlic with a pinch of salt, stirring until the onion becomes translucent. This process, known as sweating the onions, unlocks their natural sweetness and melds beautifully with the fresh garlic.
Next, add the chopped celery, zucchini, and mushrooms to the pot. Add another pinch of salt here to season these vegetables lightly. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. This step is crucial as it builds layers of flavor, essential in low carb cooking.
At this stage, stir in the cauliflower florets along with dried thyme and oregano, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. The herbs release their fragrant oils, infusing the soup with depth and character.
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring your soup to a gentle boil. Add the kosher salt and ground pepper to the broth, seasoning it just right. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken into the simmering broth.
Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the vegetables to become perfectly tender. If it appears that there isn't enough liquid, add in a couple cups of water. Be sure to adjust the seasoning again.
The final touch to your soup is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. This step ensures the best results by adding a bright note of acidity that cuts through the richness, elevating the overall flavor profile of the soup.
A VISUAL GUIDE TO LEFTOVER ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP:
Follow along with me on a step-by-step guide to making this hearty soup right in your own kitchen.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Homemade Chicken Soup:
Storing in the Refrigerator: Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup is ideal for meal prep, thanks to its easy storage. In the refrigerator, store the soup in an airtight container; it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days.
Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully (we all know that soup tastes better the next day!) and the soup doesn't heat up your fridge.
Freezing for Later: For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top as liquids expand when frozen.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Labeling your containers with the date helps keep track of freshness.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, reheating is a breeze. If frozen, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stove top. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
The soup may thicken upon refrigeration or freezing; feel free to add water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors can change slightly after storage.
Find other delicious soup recipes on my blog:
- Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup: Dive into the vibrant flavors of this soup, where the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers perfectly complements the tangy richness of tomatoes—a must-try for a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup: Indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight that turns nutritious broccoli into a keto-friendly, sumptuous treat, perfect for those cozy nights in.
- Thai Red Curry Soup: Embark on a culinary journey with this soup, blending the Thai red curry's delicious and aromatic spices with hearty ingredients, offering a spicy kick to your meal routine.
- Tuscan Kale and Sausage Soup: Savor the rustic charm of Tuscany with this robust soup, featuring hearty sausage and nutritious kale, for a nourishing, comforting, and satisfying meal.
- Healthy Pulled Pork Soup: Experience the unique twist of tender, flavorful pulled pork in a soup that's hearty and delicious and aligns with the low carb lifestyle.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS CHICKEN RECIPES? TRY THESE:
Sauteed Chicken Breast with Zucchini Medley: Enjoy a light yet flavorful meal where perfectly sautéed chicken breast meets a vibrant zucchini medley, offering a healthy, colorful, and deliciously satisfying dish.
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mushroom Gravy: Elevate your dinner with this elegant recipe featuring succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a delightful mix, all draped in a rich, savory mushroom gravy.
The Perfect Rotisserie Chicken: Master the art of making the perfect rotisserie chicken at home with this recipe, promising crispy skin, tender meat, and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Chipotle Chicken Recipe: Spice up your mealtime with this chipotle chicken, a blend of smoky chipotle peppers and tender chicken, creating a dish that's bursting with bold flavors and pleasant heat.
Tandoori Style Grilled Chicken: Bring the taste of India to your backyard with this Tandoori-style grilled chicken, marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection for a juicy, flavorful feast.
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Restarting Low Carb
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup
Whip up a cozy bowl of this Low Carb Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup on any chilly afternoon. It's a simple yet hearty mix of shredded chicken, onions, celery, zucchini, and cauliflower; all simmered together in a delightful broth seasoned with thyme and oregano. This soup is your easy, go-to recipe for a low carb, keto-friendly meal that feels just like a warm, welcoming hug. Perfect for anyone enjoying the low carb lifestyle, it's proof that great flavor can come from simple, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- ½ leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 14/ head cauliflower florets, small
- 5 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation of Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic with a pinch of salt, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (2-3 mins).
Cooking the Soup:
- Add the chopped celery, zucchini, and mushrooms to the pot with another pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the cauliflower florets and seasonings (thyme and oregano only). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add in the salt and pepper.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Adding the Chicken:
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot once it is simmering.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
Final Touches:
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bit of brightness.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Serving:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting, and low carb meal.
Notes
- Chicken: Don't hesitate to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have. Remember, when shredded, half of a rotisserie chicken yields about 3-4 cups. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers into a new and delicious meal.
- Cooked Chicken: This recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken to save time and simplify the process. If you're starting with raw chicken, increase the simmer time in the recipe. Keep the pot going until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Garlic & Onions: Feel free to add your garlic and onions to the pot together. We're not looking for browning here, just gentle cooking until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is key for building a flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Herbs & Spices: Add your dried herbs and spices while sautéing the vegetables, not just into the broth to maximize flavor. This helps to 'open up' the flavors of the herbs and spices, making your soup more aromatic and tasty.
- Salt: Practice seasoning in layers. Add pinches of salt as you add each new set of vegetables. A 'pinch' is just a small amount, but it's crucial for seasoning your veggies perfectly without making the soup too salty. This gradual seasoning method enhances the flavors of each ingredient.
- Simmering: Let your soup simmer gently. This slow-cooking process melds all the flavors together beautifully and ensures that every ingredient, especially the vegetables, is cooked to perfection, tender but not mushy.
- Tasting and Adjusting: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, a little more salt, a dash of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon can make all the difference.
- Garnish: Don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
- Storing: I'm a firm believer that soups taste best the next day... bring the soup down to room temperature before putting in the fridge. See the post for more storing and freezing notes.
This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
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