Healing Chicken Soup (Printable)
Comforting broth with tender chicken, vegetables, and healing herbs.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
09 - 1 small lemon, juiced
→ Broth & Seasoning
10 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1 tsp dried thyme
13 - 1 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
15 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1 tsp sea salt
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Optional Additions
19 - 1/2 cup cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa
# Step-by-step:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and parsnip. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Place chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf, thyme, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, and salt.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 35–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
05 - Transfer chicken thighs to a plate or cutting board and set aside to cool slightly until safe to handle.
06 - Add zucchini and spinach (or kale) to the simmering broth. Cook for 8–10 minutes until just tender.
07 - Shred the cooled chicken meat, discarding bones and skin. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
08 - Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
09 - If using, stir in cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa. Heat through for 2–3 minutes until warmed.
10 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The turmeric adds this gorgeous golden hue while fighting inflammation
- Everything simmers in one pot so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- You can customize the vegetables based on what languishing in your crisper drawer
02 -
- The soup actually tastes better the next day so do not hesitate to make it ahead
- Remove the bay leaf before serving or someone will get an unpleasant surprise
- Turmeric stains everything so be careful with your favorite light colored towels
03 -
- Skim any foam that rises to the top during simmering for a clearer broth
- Use fresh thyme and oregano if available they elevate the flavor significantly