Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Wellness

My grandma’s secret anti inflammatory turmeric chicken soup always sparks excitement around our kitchen.

Warm golden broth carries deep healing traditions from generations past.

Rich spices dance through tender chicken pieces with remarkable complexity.

Earthy turmeric mingles wonderfully with subtle ginger notes, creating incredible depth.

Each carefully selected ingredient promises maximum nutritional benefits for your wellness journey.

Fragrant herbs and carefully simmered vegetables contribute powerful medicinal qualities.

You’ll want to savor every comforting spoonful of this nourishing recipe.

Key Aspects of Turmeric Chicken Soup

  • Combines easy-to-find spices and vegetables that naturally support immune function and reduce body inflammation without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Delivers a wholesome meal loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and healing properties of turmeric and ginger in one comforting bowl.
  • Perfect for busy individuals wanting to prepare a nutritious meal ahead of time, with ingredients that store well and taste even better the next day.

Ingredient Essentials for Turmeric Chicken Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Light, heart-healthy fat for sautéing and adding smooth flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Warm liquid base for soup with rich protein foundation.
Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet base vegetable adding depth and classic soup foundation.
  • Garlic: Bold flavor enhancer with natural immune-boosting properties.
  • Ginger: Warm, zesty root with powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Spices:
  • Turmeric Powder: Golden spice with significant anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Cumin: Earthy spice providing warm, complex background flavor.
  • Paprika: Mild pepper spice adding gentle warmth and reddish color.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Zucchini: Nutrient-dense vegetables adding texture and natural sweetness.
Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein providing substantial meal structure.
  • Spinach (or Kale): Tender green offering additional nutrients and color.
Final Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced flavor enhancement.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component for flavor complexity.

How to Simmer Turmeric Chicken Soup

Step 1: Wake Up the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Turmeric powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering fragrance, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Bring in the Veggie Squad

Toss in:
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery
  • Diced zucchini

Saute the vegetables until they start to soften and look vibrant, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let everything bubble softly, allowing vegetables to become tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Protein Power

Stir in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Spinach

Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken warms through completely.

Step 5: Perfect the Flavor Profile

Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, zingy finish.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle into bowls. Pair with whole-grain bread for a complete, nourishing meal that fights inflammation and delights taste buds.

Helpful Notes for Healing Chicken Soup

  • Boost Spice Potency: Toast whole spices before grinding to unlock deeper, more intense flavors and maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric and cumin.
  • Customize Greens Swap: Replace spinach with Swiss chard, collard greens, or arugula for varied nutrient profiles and unique flavor dimensions in your soup.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Add more chicken broth for a lighter soup or simmer longer to create a thicker, heartier texture that suits your preference.
  • Enhance Protein Options: Substitute shredded chicken with cooked white beans, tofu, or chickpeas to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly and increase plant-based protein content.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Cook larger batches and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Chicken Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach, as it can become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through.
  • Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when soup is hot and bubbling.

Side Pairings for Turmeric Soup

  • The tangy, slightly sour flavor of sourdough perfectly complements the warm, earthy spices in the turmeric chicken soup, creating a delightful taste contrast.
  • Brew a light, refreshing green tea with hints of mint or ginger to enhance the anti-inflammatory properties and provide a soothing accompaniment to the soup.
  • Prepare a simple cucumber salad dressed with lemon juice and fresh herbs to add a cool, refreshing element that balances the soup's warmth and spiciness.
  • Top the soup with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a light drizzle to add creaminess, provide additional gut-healing benefits, and create a beautiful visual presentation.

Bright Variations of Turmeric Chicken Soup

  • Vegan Healing Soup: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or white beans, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep the same anti-inflammatory spices for a plant-based version.
  • Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Variation: Swap carrots and zucchini with cauliflower and broccoli, increase healthy fats by adding coconut cream, and maintain the turmeric and spice blend for maximum nutrition.
  • Instant Pot Speed Soup: Convert the stovetop recipe to an Instant Pot method by sautéing aromatics using the sauté function, then adding all ingredients and cooking on high pressure for 8 minutes with quick release.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Add kalamata olives, swap spinach for Swiss chard, sprinkle feta cheese on top, and include a dash of dried oregano to give the soup a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
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Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe

Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warming bowls of turmeric chicken soup deliver comfort and healing in one delightful recipe. Fragrant spices and nourishing ingredients combine to create a soul-soothing meal that will restore and energize you.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 cup chopped sweet potatoes (or white potatoes)
  • 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped

Spices, Oils, and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Awaken the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions and allow them to soften and become translucent for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, ground turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Stir these spices thoroughly, allowing their essential oils and healing compounds to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Integrate sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced zucchini into the fragrant mixture. Gently sauté the vegetables to initiate their tenderization process, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and allow the vegetables to become perfectly tender, developing deep, harmonious flavors for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Introduce shredded chicken and verdant spinach (or kale) to the simmering liquid. Let the ingredients meld together, ensuring the greens wilt and the chicken reaches optimal temperature.
  6. Calibrate the soup’s taste with salt and pepper, creating a balanced seasoning profile. Optional: Brighten the soup with a citrusy splash of lemon juice to elevate the complex flavor dimensions.
  7. Transfer the vibrant, nourishing soup into serving bowls. Complement with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete, anti-inflammatory meal that supports holistic wellness.

Notes

  • Boost the anti-inflammatory power by using fresh turmeric root instead of powder for enhanced healing properties and more vibrant flavor.
  • Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or white beans for vegetarian and vegan diet variations.
  • Enhance gut health by adding probiotic-rich ingredients like fermented miso or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving to support digestive wellness.
  • Maximize nutrient absorption by including a small amount of black pepper, which helps activate curcumin in turmeric and increases its bioavailability.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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