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Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup

A comforting, health-boosting bowl of soup filled with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and anti-inflammatory turmeric, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or whole chicken pieces Use any bone-in chicken pieces you prefer.
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk Adds creaminess.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons ground turmeric Or 3 tablespoons fresh, grated.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Essential for turmeric absorption.
  • to taste Salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
  3. Add the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3 minutes until the vegetables start to brighten in color.
Build the Flavor Base
  1. Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, ginger, cumin, and black pepper.
  2. Cook for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with the incredible golden aroma.
Add the Chicken and Liquid
  1. Nestle the chicken pieces into the pot, skin-side down if using skin-on pieces.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring that the liquid covers the chicken by about an inch.
  3. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer to Perfection
  1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 45-60 minutes.
  2. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Shred and Season
  1. Remove the chicken pieces and let them cool slightly before shredding the meat and discarding the bones and skin.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt to taste.
  3. If using coconut milk or leafy greens, add them now and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Final Touches
  1. Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

This soup is perfect as a stand-alone meal, but it pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Drizzle extra lemon juice or sprinkle red pepper flakes for added flavor.