When it comes to dinner and meal ideas, a healthy soup can be a real game - changer. It's not only comforting but also a great way to pack in nutrients. One of the best things about making a soup is that you can keep the prep - time speedy, especially when you use some smart shortcuts.

One excellent shortcut is to use purchased rotisserie chicken or other pre - cooked chicken products that you love. These are readily available at most grocery stores and can save you a significant amount of time. Instead of spending hours cooking and shredding a whole chicken, you can simply pick up a rotisserie chicken on your way home from work and start making your soup right away. The pre - cooked chicken already has a delicious flavor that will infuse into the soup, giving it a rich and savory taste.

Another tip is to plan ahead. Next time you're baking a chicken dish, throw an extra breast or two on the pan. Once they're cooked, you can store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. This way, you'll always have some cooked chicken on hand when you want to make a quick and healthy soup. It's a simple yet effective way to streamline your meal - prep process.

Now, let's talk about the actual soup recipe. First, gather your ingredients. You'll need some vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables are not only full of vitamins and minerals but also add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. Chop them up into small pieces so they cook quickly.

Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté them until they're tender and starting to turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. As the vegetables cook, they'll release their natural sugars, which will give the soup a sweet undertone.

Once the vegetables are cooked, it's time to add the chicken. If you're using a rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat into small pieces and add it to the pot. If you're using the pre - cooked chicken breasts you baked earlier, do the same. The chicken will add protein to the soup, making it a more filling and satisfying meal.

Next, pour in some chicken broth. You can use either store - bought or homemade chicken broth. The broth will form the base of the soup and will carry all the flavors together. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 - 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

You can also add some herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the soup. Some good options include thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. These herbs will add a fragrant and earthy note to the soup. Just throw them into the pot and let them simmer with the soup. You can remove the bay leaves before serving, as they can be a bit tough to chew.

If you want to make the soup even more nutritious, you can add some beans or lentils. These are a great source of fiber and protein. Simply rinse them under cold water and add them to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They'll absorb some of the flavors from the soup and add a nice texture.

Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to give the soup a fresh and bright flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. You can top it with some fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

This healthy soup is not only perfect for dinner but can also be a great option for lunch the next day. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 - 4 days or in the freezer for longer. It's a versatile and delicious meal that you can enjoy any time of the week.

In conclusion, by using purchased rotisserie chicken or pre - cooked chicken and planning ahead, you can make a healthy and speedy soup that will be a hit with your family. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give this soup recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!