Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup but dreading hours in the kitchen? This Costco chicken soup recipe is your answer! Using readily available ingredients, many easily sourced from Costco, this recipe delivers a delicious and healthy meal in a fraction of the time. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Get ready to experience homemade goodness without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken from Costco (or 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (Costco's Kirkland brand is a great option!)
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn for added freshness
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: If using a whole rotisserie chicken, shred the meat from the bones and set aside. Discard the skin and bones. This is the easiest step, saving you significant prep time.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
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Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded chicken, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Add Pasta and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, add the egg noodles, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
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Finishing Touches: Stir in any frozen vegetables during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Tips for the Best Costco Chicken Soup:
- Use high-quality broth: The quality of your broth significantly impacts the soup's flavor. Costco's Kirkland Signature brand is a reliable choice, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, adjusting as needed based on your pot's size and heat.
- Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier soup.
Variations:
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon at the end of cooking for a bright, zesty twist.
- Chicken Noodle Soup with Dumplings: Add homemade or store-bought dumplings during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a hearty and nutritious meal. The nutritional content will vary slightly based on ingredients used and serving size. A general estimate per serving is approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy and delicious Costco chicken soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and healthy meal. It's a recipe you can easily adapt to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy!