Easy Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Soup Recipe -

A nourishing Anti-inflammatory chicken soup, healing bowl of comfort — packed with ingredients that fight inflammation and boost your immune system!

This Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Soup is not just a warm, cozy dish, but also a powerhouse of nutrients that support your body\’s natural defense systems. With the combination of turmeric, ginger, and garlic, this soup is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, fight off illness, and provide a natural energy boost. Whether you\’re recovering from an illness or simply want a comforting, wholesome meal, this soup is perfect for any occasion.

Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, it’s a soup that will make you feel good inside and out. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for my Anti-inflammatory chicken soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried thyme
6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, extra lemon wedges, or a dollop of plain yogurt

Step-by-Step Instructions to the Anti-inflammatory chicken soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

2. Add the Aromatics

Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the turmeric, cumin, and dried thyme, and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors of the spices.

3. Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Add the Chicken & Greens

Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach (or kale). Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the chicken is heated through.

5. Season the Soup

Add salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze the lemon juice into the soup to brighten up the flavors, and stir well.

6. Serve & Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, extra lemon wedges, or a dollop of plain yogurt for a creamy finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving & Storage Tips for the Anti-inflammatory chicken soup

Serving Suggestions:

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
You can also serve it with a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

Storage:

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This soup also freezes well. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Helpful Notes

Anti-inflammatory chicken soup Power: Turmeric is known for its curcumin content, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger and garlic also offer natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Greens: While spinach and kale are excellent choices, you can also substitute with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for variety.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the level of turmeric and cumin to suit your taste. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Jamie Oliver recommends adding fresh ginger for an extra zing, as it provides an additional anti-inflammatory boost and adds a lovely warmth to the soup.
Rachael Ray suggests drizzling a bit of lemon-infused olive oil over the soup just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Dr. Mark Hyman, a leading functional medicine expert, often emphasizes the importance of using turmeric and ginger in daily cooking for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects, making this soup a perfect choice for anyone looking to improve their health through food.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-inflammatory chicken soup

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast. Simply cook it first, then shred it. You can cook the chicken in the soup or roast it separately and add it in.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can make this soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or lentils for protein, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store it in individual portions in the fridge or freezer for easy, healthy meals throughout the week.

4. Can I use coconut milk in place of cream?

Yes, you can use coconut milk for a richer texture and an extra anti-inflammatory boost. Add it at the end of cooking to keep the flavor intact.

5. How do I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chili when you add the garlic and ginger. You can also top the soup with hot sauce when serving.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the carrots and celery.

7. How do I make this soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup (after removing the chicken) and return it to the pot. You can also add coconut cream or almond milk.

8. Can I use ground turmeric instead of fresh?

Yes, ground turmeric works perfectly in this recipe. Use about 1 tsp of ground turmeric in place of fresh.

9. Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?

Yes, you can add small pasta or brown rice for added heartiness. Just make sure to cook it separately and add it in during the final few minutes of cooking.

10. How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree some of the vegetables or use a potato masher to mash the carrots and celery. Alternatively, you can stir in some cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it up.

This Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and health. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, it’s not only a delicious and warming meal, but it also nourishes your body from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to soothe an ache or simply enjoy a nutritious bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

You can see my friend\’s Alicia recipes here