This warm and cozy turmeric chicken soup is packed with good-for-you ingredients. It’s full of tender chicken, veggies, and the bright flavor of turmeric to help you feel your best.
Seriously, this soup is like a hug in a bowl! I love cozying up with a steaming cup of it on chilly days—it always lifts my mood!
Making this soup is super easy; just toss everything in, let it simmer, and enjoy. Perfect for any day you need a little extra comfort (and health!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turmeric: This is the star of the show! Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re out, try a pinch of curry powder as it contains turmeric and similar spices.
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their rich flavor. However, you can substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup light. Vegetable broth works just as well if you’re keeping it plant-based. Feel free to make your own broth for even more depth of flavor!
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a fantastic zing. If fresh isn’t available, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger instead—though fresh always has a better kick!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Juicy and Tender?
Cooking the chicken just right is key to a hearty soup. Start by adding it when the veggies are almost done. This way, they’ll cook gently together to keep the chicken moist.
- Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook it! Simmer just until the chicken is cooked through—usually 15-20 minutes is perfect.
- If you’re using already cooked chicken, just warm it through towards the end to prevent drying out.
There you go! With these tips, you’ll enjoy a comforting, nutritious bowl every time!
How to Make Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley and/or dill, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delightful soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you can enjoy your warm, healing soup in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. It’s important to use a pot that’s big enough to hold all your delicious soup!
2. Sauté the Base:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This will form a lovely base for your flavors!
3. Add Aromatics:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until everything smells fragrant—just wait, it’ll make your kitchen feel so cozy!
4. Spice It Up:
Next, toss in the ground turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in those beautiful spices, cooking for about a minute to release their lovely aromas.
5. Pour in Chicken Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. It’s the heart of the soup!
6. Add Veggies:
Once boiling, add the sliced carrots and celery. Then, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer—this allows the vegetables to soften perfectly.
7. Cook the Chicken:
Add the shredded or chopped chicken to the pot. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. You want the veggies tender and the chicken cooked through. This is the part where your kitchen smells amazing!
8. Season Up:
Once done, season the soup with salt to taste. Don’t forget to stir in the lemon juice to brighten all those incredible flavors!
9. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with your choice of fresh parsley and/or dill. These add a beautiful finishing touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting, anti-inflammatory goodness with every spoonful!
This soup is not only delicious but packed with immune-supportive goodness to help you feel your best!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken in This Soup?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked chicken, just add it during the last few minutes of simmering to heat it through. This prevents it from drying out while still allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the soup.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Ginger or Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh ginger with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the garlic. While fresh ingredients are always great, these substitutes will still add flavor!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies to your soup. Bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini work beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly!
