Turmeric Chicken Soup: A Comforting, Easy Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about the superhero of soups – Turmeric Chicken Soup! I remember the first time I made it. It was a dreary, rainy day, the kids were bouncing off the walls with cabin fever, and I felt a cold creeping on. I was desperate for something comforting and healing. I stumbled upon a recipe and decided to give it a whirl, adding my own mom-inspired tweaks, of course. The aroma alone started to work its magic, and by the time everyone slurped down a bowl, the house felt a little brighter. What really made it stick was when even my pickiest eater asked for seconds!

This Turmeric Chicken Soup has become a staple in our house. It fits perfectly into our busy lives because it’s easy to make, packed with goodness, and the whole family loves it. Whether you’re battling sniffles, need a comforting meal, or want a boost of nutrients, this soup is your answer.

Fellow kitchen warriors, I’m sharing this recipe to bring a little warmth and healing into your homes too. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and healing chicken soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Trust me, this ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! This Turmeric Chicken Soup is all about simplicity.

No worries if you don’t have chicken thighs – I use chicken breasts all the time in my Turmeric Chicken Soup. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so they don’t dry out.

You can grab turmeric and ginger at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. I always stock up when I see them on sale! This Turmeric Chicken Soup doesn’t have to break the bank; dried spices are your friend.

Here’s a Turmeric Chicken Soup trick that saved my sanity: pre-chop your veggies on Sunday and store them in the fridge. Dinner prep becomes a breeze during the week! If you are in a pinch, use the pre-chopped veggies from the store.

Store any leftover Turmeric Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day! My family loves when I add extra rice to their bowls, making it even heartier.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Time to get this anti-inflammatory soup cooking!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, turmeric, and ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Your Turmeric Chicken Soup should smell amazing by now!
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the chicken thighs, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Stir in the cooked rice or quinoa. Heat through for another few minutes. While your Turmeric Chicken Soup is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
6. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Don’t panic if your Turmeric Chicken Soup looks a little yellow – that’s the turmeric doing its job!
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Here’s where I used to mess up my Turmeric Chicken Soup – I used to forget the lemon juice! It really brightens up the flavors. Don’t make my mistake!

In my chaotic kitchen, this golden chicken soup usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile while it simmers! A great tip is to cook the rice or quinoa ahead of time or use minute rice.

How We Love to Eat This!

This immune-boosting soup is a family favorite.

The kids devour this Turmeric Chicken Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a classic combo for a reason! It’s the perfect dippable side.

This Turmeric Chicken Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners or when someone is feeling under the weather. It’s so comforting and nourishing.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle extra parsley on top and add a lemon wedge to each bowl. Makes it look a little fancier, even though it took minimal effort! After the work day, I try to make the meal look like I tried just a bit.

We often have leftovers, and I love using them for lunch the next day. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure I’m eating something healthy. Leftovers are awesome with a handful of crackers.

In the fall, I sometimes add a diced sweet potato to this Turmeric Chicken Soup. It adds a touch of sweetness that’s really delicious. A little bit of sweet and savory is amazing!

My friends always rave about this Turmeric Chicken Soup when I make it for them. They love the flavor and how healthy it is.

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my White Chicken Chili! It’s another warm and cozy meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about this healing chicken soup:

Can my picky eater handle this Turmeric Chicken Soup?

My kid is picky, too! Start with a small amount and let them see you enjoying it. The mild flavor and familiar chicken broth base often win them over. You can also puree some of the soup to make it smoother for them.

What if I burn my Turmeric Chicken Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If it’s just a little scorching on the bottom, carefully pour the soup into a new pot, avoiding the burnt bits. If it’s too burnt, sometimes it’s best to start over. The most important thing is to keep trying!

Can I make this Turmeric Chicken Soup ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Is there an Instant Pot version of this recipe?

I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard great things about Ginger turmeric chicken rice porridge recipe. You can definitely adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this Turmeric Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor. Just increase the simmering time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat, and discard the bones before returning the chicken to the soup.

What are the health benefits of turmeric?

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. That’s why this turmeric ginger soup is such a great choice when you’re feeling under the weather! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Pretzel Crusted Chicken recipe.

Can I freeze this Turmeric Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this golden chicken soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts:

This Turmeric Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s special because it’s a simple, nourishing meal that brings my family together. I hope it does the same for you! This anti-inflammatory soup will be your comfort dish!

My Turmeric Chicken Soup Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chopped veggies are a lifesaver: Don’t hesitate to buy them to save time.
• Lemon is a must: It brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing.
• Make a double batch: Freeze half for future busy nights.

Here are a few family-tested Turmeric Chicken Soup variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Creamy Comfort: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the creamy one. I stick with the original!

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Experiment with different vegetables, spices, and herbs to find your perfect combination. I hope your Turmeric Chicken Soup brings your family as much joy and comfort as it brings mine.

Fellow kitchen warriors, you’ve got this! Go ahead and give this simple Turmeric Chicken Soup a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. For another healthy recipe, check out this Spicy Black Bean Soup!

 

Print