Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup is one of my favorite healing bowls to make when I need something warm, nourishing, and soothing. It’s packed with comforting chicken, vibrant veggies, and a golden turmeric-infused broth that brings both flavor and wellness benefits. This isn’t just a soup—it’s my go-to for boosting energy, calming inflammation, and fueling my body with real, wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s both delicious and deeply nourishing. The turmeric adds a beautiful color and earthy warmth, while garlic, ginger, and lemon add brightness and depth. It’s easy to make, gluten-free, and great for digestion, immunity, and overall balance—especially during colder months or when I’m feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh ginger (grated)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Celery (chopped)
- Chicken (boneless thighs or breasts, shredded)
- Ground turmeric
- Ground black pepper
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: baby spinach, zucchini, or cooked rice/quinoa for a heartier version
Directions
- I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- I sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- I stir in the turmeric and black pepper and cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
- I add the carrots, celery, and chicken, then pour in the broth.
- I bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- I remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- I stir in lemon juice and baby spinach (if using), letting it wilt.
- I garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: Around 35 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add quinoa or brown rice for extra bulk, or throw in sweet potatoes for added nutrition and sweetness. I’ve also stirred in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist that blends beautifully with turmeric. If I want extra heat, I add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or microwave it in a bowl. The flavors actually deepen with time, so I love making extra to enjoy throughout the week. It also freezes well—I let it cool, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Why is turmeric considered anti-inflammatory?
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. I pair it with black pepper to boost absorption and get the full benefit.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. I often use leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. I add it toward the end of cooking so it stays tender.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. I use vegetable broth and swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based version that’s still protein-rich.
Is it okay to eat this soup daily?
Yes. It’s gentle on the stomach, full of anti-inflammatory ingredients, and a great daily go-to when I want to feel my best.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. I add all the ingredients to the slow cooker (except spinach and lemon), cook on low for 6 hours, shred the chicken, stir in spinach and lemon at the end, and serve.
Conclusion
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup is one of my favorite recipes to keep in rotation—it’s warming, nutrient-packed, and filled with ingredients that help my body feel its best. Whether I’m fighting a cold, supporting digestion, or just craving a flavorful, healthful meal, this soup always hits the spot. It’s food that heals and comforts, one golden spoonful at a time.
Print
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup / Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Modern / Health‑Focused
Description
Anti‑Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup is a warm, nourishing bowl filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables and a golden turmeric‑infused broth designed to soothe and support wellness.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, shredded
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (helps absorption of turmeric) (see note)
- 4 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup baby spinach or zucchini (optional, for added veggies)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: cooked rice or quinoa (to serve) or sweet potato for bulk
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium‑heat. Add the onion, garlic and ginger; sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the turmeric and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to bloom the spices.
- Add the chicken pieces and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it (or chop), then return it to the pot. If using baby spinach or zucchini, stir them in and let wilt for a minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice, adjust seasoning (salt & pepper) to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot. Optionally serve with rice or quinoa.
Notes
- The addition of turmeric (containing curcumin) and black pepper enhances anti‑inflammatory benefits and helps absorption of curcumin. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Turmeric has been shown to support inflammation reduction and immunity when paired with fat and black pepper. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- To make it gluten‑free, ensure the chicken broth has no gluten‑containing additives.
- For a plant‑based version, swap chicken for chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl / approx. 1/4 of recipe
- Cholesterol: undefined
