This warm and comforting turmeric chicken soup is perfect for cozy days! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and bright turmeric, it’s both tasty and healthy.
I love how this soup makes me feel good inside. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Just throw everything together and let it simmer—dinner is served! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: I prefer olive oil for its flavor, but coconut oil works well too, especially if you want a hint of tropical taste. You can even use vegetable oil if you’re in a pinch.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the salt in check, but feel free to use homemade broth for more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, swap it for vegetable broth.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease. You can also use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Carrots and Celery: While carrots and celery give a nice texture and sweetness, you can substitute these veggies with spinach or bell peppers if you have them on hand.
Ground Turmeric: The star of the soup, turmeric adds color and health benefits. If you can’t find it, curry powder has similar properties, though the flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Aromatics?
Sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger is key for building flavor in your soup. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat; too high could burn the garlic and ginger.
- Add onions first, cooking until they’re soft and slightly translucent.
- Then stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for only 1-2 minutes to release their flavors without burning them.
This technique makes a big difference in the overall taste of your soup!
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and it simmers for about 20 minutes, making it ready in roughly 35 minutes total. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Sauté the Base:
Add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until they become fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
4. Toast the Spices:
Add the ground turmeric, black pepper, and cumin (if you’re using it) to the pot. Mix everything well and toast the spices for about 1 minute to really bring out their flavors.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will make the soup nice and hearty.
6. Cook the Veggies:
Add the sliced carrots, diced celery, and thyme to the pot. Reduce the heat, cover, and let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender, which takes about 10-12 minutes.
7. Add Chicken and Peas:
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and green peas. Let the mixture cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Season and Finish:
Season the soup with salt to taste. If you like a bit of brightness, add the juice of half a lemon as well.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch before serving. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful of your turmeric chicken soup!
Bon appétit! This nourishing soup is perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little extra comfort and care.
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can! If using fresh chicken, simply add it in the beginning with the broth and let it cook through. You may need to increase the simmering time by about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the chicken with either tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for added texture and flavor.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
