Are you tired of letting leftovers go to waste? If you have some leftover chicken sitting in your fridge, don’t fret! We have the perfect solution for you: leftover chicken soup. Not only is it a great way to use up those extra ingredients, but it also makes for a comforting and delicious meal, especially during the fall season. In this ultimate guide, we will share with you some tips and tricks for creating the best leftover chicken soup, along with a variety of mouthwatering recipes that will warm your soul. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Tips for the Best Leftover Chicken Soup
To start off, let’s explore some helpful tips that will elevate your leftover chicken soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Create a Flavorful Base
The foundation of any good soup is a flavorful base. Begin by sautéing an assortment of onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cutting the vegetables into 1/2-inch dice will give your soup a heartier texture. Cook the base vegetables for about 10 minutes to draw out their natural sugars, creating a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
Add Dried Herbs and Seasonings
Once your base vegetables are cooked, it’s time to add some dried herbs and seasonings. This step will enhance the overall taste of your soup. Consider using a bay leaf and about a tablespoon of herbs du Provence or Italian Seasoning per 4 cups of chicken stock. The combination of herbs will infuse the soup with delightful flavors.
Incorporate Pasta, Rice, or Potatoes
To make your soup more filling, consider adding pasta, rice, or potatoes. For 4 cups of chicken broth, you can use about 1/2 to 3/4 cups of uncooked rice or pasta. If you prefer potatoes, cut them into cubes and add them to the soup 5 minutes after cooking the base vegetables. Rice should be added at the same time as the chicken stock and simmered for 20 minutes, while pasta should be added 10 minutes before serving to avoid overcooking.
Experiment with Diced Tomatoes or Beans
To create a richer broth, you can add a can of diced tomatoes or a can of beans to your soup. The diced tomatoes will add depth and acidity, while beans will provide texture and protein. Rinse the beans before adding them to the soup for a cleaner taste.
Utilize Leftover Mashed Potatoes
If you happen to have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste! Adding them to your soup will thicken it and give it a creamy texture. The mashed potatoes will also add an extra layer of flavor, making your soup even more delicious.
Enhance Creaminess with Dairy Products
For a creamier and more indulgent soup, consider adding dairy products such as milk, half and half, or mascarpone cheese. About 1/4 cup of any of these options will do the trick. The addition of dairy will lend a luscious and velvety texture to your soup, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Season with Salt and Pepper
To ensure that every layer of your soup is well-seasoned, be generous with salt and pepper. This simple step will elevate the flavors and make your soup taste more balanced and satisfying.
Now that we’ve covered the essential tips for making the best leftover chicken soup, let’s dive into some mouthwatering recipes that will leave you craving for more.
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Soup
This set-it-and-forget-it soup is perfect for busy days when you want a warm and healthy dinner waiting for you. The combination of chicken and chickpeas creates a protein-packed dish that will keep you satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine shredded chicken, chickpeas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Chicken & Spinach Soup with Fresh Pesto
This fragrant Italian-inspired soup combines boneless, skinless chicken breast, baby spinach, and canned beans for a quick and easy meal. The addition of homemade basil pesto adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add diced chicken breasts and simmer until cooked through.
- Add baby spinach and cannellini beans to the pot. Cook until spinach is wilted and beans are heated through.
- Stir in basil pesto and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Creamy White Chili with Cream Cheese
This creamy and flavorful white chicken chili comes together in a flash. The combination of quick-cooking chicken thighs and canned white beans makes it a convenient option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté chicken thighs, onion, and garlic until chicken is cooked through and onions are translucent.
- Add white beans, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Kale
This healthy and vibrant soup is loaded with vegetables, protein, and fiber to keep you full and fueled. The addition of lemon and kale adds a refreshing twist to the classic chicken soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chopped kale
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender.
- Add shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked orzo pasta, chopped kale, and lemon juice. Cook until kale is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Leftover chicken is a versatile and delicious way to use up your leftovers while creating a comforting and nourishing meal. By following our tips and trying out our recipes, you can transform your leftover chicken into a culinary masterpiece. So, next time you have some leftover chicken in your fridge, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of hearty and flavorful soup. Your taste buds will thank you!
Remember, the beauty of leftover chicken soup lies in its flexibility, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Whether you prefer creamy or brothy, spicy or lemony, there’s a leftover chicken soup recipe out there that will surely hit the spot. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the warm and satisfying embrace of a bowl of homemade chicken soup.
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About Route 17 Express
Route 17 Express is a hometown general store and restaurant. We offer Charlie Biggs Chicken, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Deli, Hot n Serve Meals, Marathon Gas, Firewood, Straw, and Much More!