There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of soup that not only tastes amazing but also helps calm your body. That’s why I’m excited to share this Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe—it’s packed with soothing spices and wholesome ingredients that nourish your system and satisfy your soul.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I genuinely find this soup so comforting and easy to make—perfect for those days when you want something hearty but without feeling heavy. Plus, the turmeric gives it a gorgeous golden color and subtle earthiness that’s just so inviting.
- Amazing anti-inflammatory benefits: Turmeric is well-known for its inflammation-fighting properties, making this soup a superfood for your wellness routine.
- Loaded with fresh veggies: Leeks, carrots, celery, and peas bring vibrant flavor and nutrients, so you’re getting your greens in a delicious way.
- Rich and creamy texture without dairy: Thanks to the coconut milk, this soup has that silky mouthfeel that feels indulgent but stays light.
- Flexible and easy to customize: You can tweak the veggies or protein depending on what you have on hand—no fuss, all delicious.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here pulls its weight, working together to create a comforting, healing bowl of soup. The flavors meld beautifully, and the turmeric really shines through without overpowering. When shopping, aim for fresh, organic veggies and good quality broth to elevate this simple dish even more.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the veggies while sautéing.
- Onion: The foundational aromatic that builds depth in the soup.
- Leek: Adds a subtle sweet and mild onion flavor, setting this apart from regular chicken soup.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and a satisfying texture.
- Celery: Provides that classic aromatic base and a touch of crunch.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and a little punch to the broth.
- Turmeric: The hero spice with anti-inflammatory magic and earthy flavor.
- Poultry seasoning: Ties together the herbs and spices for cozy, homey vibes.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, make sure it’s flavorful and preferably homemade or low sodium.
- Coconut milk: For creamy texture and slight sweetness without dairy.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender protein that cooks right in the soup.
- Frozen peas (optional): Add a pop of color and a fresh bite near the end.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brings herbaceous brightness to finish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and boosts turmeric absorption.
Make It Your Way
I like to switch it up depending on the season or what I have on hand. This Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe really plays well with extra veggies or even swapping chicken for turkey or tofu if you want something different.
- Variation: One time, I used sweet potatoes instead of carrots and loved the added sweetness and creaminess that brought.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk, perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Spicy Upgrade: If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne or freshly grated ginger amps up the inflammation-fighting power.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Slowly
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in your soup pot. Add the onions, leeks, carrots, celery, and a pinch of kosher salt. I find letting the leeks and onions soften gently and start to caramelize (about 14-16 minutes) brings out a deep, sweet flavor that forms the perfect base. Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking and burning.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, toss in the chopped garlic, turmeric, and poultry seasoning. Keep the heat gentle and stir often for about 2-3 minutes until you start smelling those fragrant spices. This step really wakes up the soup and fills your kitchen with that warm turmeric aroma.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth, Coconut Milk, and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. Nestle the raw chicken pieces into the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged. Cover partially and let it simmer gently on low for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. Remember not to boil it vigorously—this helps keep the coconut milk from splitting.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Finish the Soup
Take the chicken out and let it cool just a bit on a cutting board. Shred it up or chop into bite-sized pieces, then stir it back into the pot along with frozen peas (if you’re using them) and fresh parsley. Let everything come back to a slow simmer for around 5 minutes until peas turn vibrant green and soften.
Step 5: Taste, Season, and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. I like to sprinkle on a little extra chopped parsley on top for freshness and color before serving.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this turmeric chicken soup truly shine and come together effortlessly. These tips come from those moments when I wanted to get dinner on the table fast but still crave that homemade warmth.
- Slow sautéing: Don’t rush the vegetables—letting the leeks and onions caramelize a bit adds incredible depth to this soup.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat low when the coconut milk is in to prevent it from curdling or separating.
- Fresh herbs finish strong: Adding parsley at the end brightens up the flavors and keeps the soup tasting fresh.
- Shred chicken carefully: Letting it cool slightly makes shredding easier and prevents burning your fingers.
How to Serve Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for fresh parsley as my go-to garnish—it adds that pop of green, freshness, and a little herbal lift that makes each spoonful feel lively. Sometimes I sprinkle a few red pepper flakes if I want a little kick or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping or a light mixed green salad when I want something extra on the side without being too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this soup in rustic crock bowls topped with a drizzle of good olive oil and sprigs of fresh thyme—it makes any simple meal feel cozy and elevated at the same time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let your soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. I keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day soup taste even better.
Freezing
This Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When thawed, it still tastes fresh and comforting—perfect for busy weeks.
Reheating
I reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps bring back a perfect creamy texture without it becoming too thick or drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye while simmering so they don’t overcook and get dry. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving.
Turmeric is generally safe and beneficial when used in normal culinary amounts like in this soup. If you have medical conditions or are on medications, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before consuming large amounts.
Definitely! Substitute the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or legumes such as chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The coconut milk keeps the soup creamy and satisfying.
Boiling coconut milk aggressively can cause it to split or curdle, which affects the texture and appearance. Keeping the soup at a gentle simmer ensures it stays silky and smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something cozy, nourishing, and a little extra kind to my body. I hope when you make it, you feel all the comforting and healing vibes it’s given me over the years. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that you can share with anyone needing a bit of homemade TLC.
Print
Turmeric Chicken Soup for Inflammation Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup is a nourishing and flavorful one-pot meal packed with wholesome vegetables, tender chicken, and infused with the healing power of turmeric and warming spices. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep, this soup combines coconut milk and chicken broth for a creamy yet light texture while keeping it dairy-free, paleo, and gluten-free. The addition of fresh parsley and optional peas adds brightness and color, making it a delicious and nutritious soup for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
- 3 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Spices and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Soup Base and Protein
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add onions, leeks, carrots, celery, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 16 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in chopped garlic, turmeric, and poultry seasoning. Continue to sauté for 3 minutes until the spices and garlic are aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Add the raw chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Partially cover and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Simmer Soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
- Shred Chicken and Add Peas: Remove the lid, take chicken out and place on a cutting board. Allow to cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces or shred with forks. Return chicken to the pot along with frozen peas and fresh parsley.
- Final Simmer and Season: Bring soup back to a slow simmer and cook until peas are bright green and tender, roughly 5 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if preferred. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting and healthful meal.
Notes
- This soup is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and paleo-friendly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
- Using chicken thighs adds tenderness and flavor, but breast meat works well too.
- Do not boil the soup rapidly after adding coconut milk to prevent curdling.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with cilantro or basil for variation.
- This soup is perfect for meal prep and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 413 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1495 mg
- Fat: 26.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 14.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.8 g
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 27.8 g
- Cholesterol: 73.9 mg
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