Turmeric Chicken Anti Inflammatory Soup
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Easy
This recipe is beginner-friendly and does not require advanced cooking skills. If you can chop vegetables and simmer broth, you can make this soup! It’s a great introduction to cooking with healing spices like turmeric and ginger.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Main Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
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1 medium onion, diced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
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1 tablespoon ground turmeric (or 1 inch fresh turmeric, grated)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
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2 medium carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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1 medium zucchini, chopped
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6 cups chicken bone broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (can use rotisserie)
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2 cups chopped kale or spinach
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1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (optional for added fiber)
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Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
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1 teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes (for extra heat)
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½ cup coconut milk (for a creamy twist)
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Cooked rice or quinoa (for extra heartiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Let them sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This is where the magic starts—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Pro Tip: Use fresh turmeric if available—it has a milder, earthy flavor and stronger anti-inflammatory properties than the powdered version.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Spices
Add the chopped carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Stir everything together. Sprinkle in the cumin, black pepper, and salt. Let the vegetables cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Greens
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and chopped kale or spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the greens are wilted and the chicken is heated through.
If you’re using canned chickpeas, add them now and simmer until warmed.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Herbs
Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice for a burst of brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preferences.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
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Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough bread.
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Add a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra heartiness.
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Drizzle with a spoonful of coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
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Enjoy chilled in warmer months as a healing broth.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Based on 1 of 6 servings, without optional add-ins
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Calories: ~280 kcal
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Protein: 24g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Sodium: 780mg
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 140% DV
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Vitamin C: 45% DV
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Iron: 15% DV
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Calcium: 10% DV
Note: Nutrition can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For precision, consider using a nutrition calculator or app.