The Best Healing Chicken Soup (Printable)
Nourishing soup with tender chicken, vegetables, and healing herbs perfect for recovery.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or whole cut-up chicken
→ 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 (optional)
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 or 2 tsp fresh
13 - 1 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
15 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Optional Additions
19 - 1/2 cup cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa (add in last 10 minutes)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and parsnip if using. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
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 to a simmer. Cover and cook for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
05 - Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
06 - Add zucchini and spinach or kale to the pot. Simmer 8–10 minutes until just tender.
07 - Shred chicken meat, discarding bones. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
08 - Add lemon juice and parsley. Stir well and taste for seasoning.
09 - If using, stir in cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.
10 - Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The turmeric and fresh herbs give it an extra immune boost that actually makes you feel better, not just comforted
- Its forgiving enough to work with whatever vegetables you have lingering in your crisper drawer
02 -
- The first time I made this, I skipped the parsnip and honestly didnt miss it, so dont stress if you cant find one
- Lemon juice might seem strange but it transforms the soup from good to absolutely crave-worthy
03 -
- Skim any foam that rises to the top during simmering for a clearer, cleaner tasting broth
- Let the chicken cool just enough to handle but still warmit shreds much easier when slightly heated