Ingredients
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth/stock
1 cup heavy cream/whipping cream
2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (or any cooked chicken)
2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, no need to thaw)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (to taste)
1 medium white onion, diced (or substitute with red onion or shallots)
8 oz mushrooms (chestnut/portabellini mushrooms recommended, but any variety works)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Directions
1. Make the Soup Base
Start by heating a splash of oil or a knob of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
Next, add the 8 oz of mushrooms to the pot. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 more minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and turn golden brown. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
2. Cook the Soup
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The cream adds richness to the soup, while the chicken broth keeps it light and savory.
3. Add Chicken and Spinach
Stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken and 2 cups of fresh or frozen spinach. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully heated through and the spinach is tender. The rotisserie chicken adds a convenient source of protein, while the spinach brings freshness and nutrients to the dish.
4. Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice, adjusting to your preference, to brighten the flavors and balance the creaminess. The lemon juice cuts through the richness, giving the soup a lively and refreshing finish.
Serve the Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup hot, with your favorite crusty bread on the side for dipping. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort for any day of the week.