If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing bowl that comforts your body and soul, you’re going to absolutely love this Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe. I’ve been making this for years whenever I want something soothing yet packed with flavor and health benefits. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that my whole family goes crazy for—and I can’t wait to share how you can make it just as amazing in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Turmeric teamed with garlic and poultry seasoning creates a natural healing blend that’s as tasty as it is good for you.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The coconut milk adds silky smoothness without dairy, making it gentle on the stomach and velvety delicious.
- Easy to Make and Customize: Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, frozen peas, or leave them out, this soup adapts beautifully to your pantry and preferences.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: It’s a satisfying meal that comforts and energizes, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a health boost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe plays a part in the flavor and healing magic. I always start with fresh veggies and quality broth—trust me, it makes a difference when you simmer those aromatics together.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a fresh, fruity flavor that sautés your veggies perfectly.
- Onion: This adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s base—diced medium works best.
- Leek: The white and light green parts add a subtle onion-garlic flavor, and I love slicing them thinly to help them caramelize nicely.
- Carrots: Thin slices cook evenly and bring a gentle sweetness balancing turmeric’s earthiness.
- Celery: It lends an aromatic background note and a bit of crunch before simmering soft.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning as you go and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic infuses the soup with that irresistible fragrance that makes you want to dive right in.
- Turmeric: The star anti-inflammatory spice that gives the soup its golden glow and subtle peppery kick.
- Poultry seasoning: A warm blend of herbs that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Chicken broth: I always opt for a good-quality, low-sodium broth; it’s the heart of the soup’s flavor.
- Coconut milk: Adds richness and a creamy texture without any heaviness—plus, it’s soothing and dairy-free.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work fine—just avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Frozen peas (optional): They add a pop of brightness and subtle sweetness; add them near the end to keep their color.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that lifts the whole soup as a finishing touch.
- Black pepper: Final seasoning to taste, balancing the turmeric and rounding out the flavor.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to make it your own. Add what you love or swap what you don’t—this soup is forgiving and adaptable, which is one reason I keep coming back to it for comfort.
- Make it Spicier: I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper and loved the extra warmth it gave—a little goes a long way!
- Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in chopped kale or spinach near the end for more greens without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use vegetable broth and tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based twist that’s just as satisfying.
- Grain Addition: Cooked quinoa or brown rice stirred in makes this a heartier meal if you want something more filling.
How to Make Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Fresh Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. I like to let it warm just enough before adding diced onions, sliced leeks, carrots, celery, and a teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir occasionally and cook this mixture for about 14-16 minutes until the leeks soften and start to caramelize—it adds a beautiful depth of flavor and sweetness. Don’t rush this step; it really builds the soup’s base!
Step 2: Adding Turmeric, Garlic, and Poultry Seasoning
Next, stir in the chopped garlic, turmeric, and poultry seasoning. Keep sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until the spices bloom and the garlic becomes fragrant. You’ll notice the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma—that’s the magic happening right here.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth, Coconut Milk & Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, then nestle the raw chicken pieces into the pot. Scrape the bottom gently to release any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring it just to a gentle simmer—be careful not to boil too hard, or the coconut milk may split and change the texture. Cover partially and let it simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Final Ingredients
Remove the chicken from the pot onto a cutting board to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces—this step makes the soup extra cozy and satisfying. Add the shredded chicken back to the soup along with frozen peas if you’re using them and freshly chopped parsley. Let everything warm through on a slow simmer for about 5 minutes, just until the peas are bright green and tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. Some fresh parsley sprinkled on top is my favorite finishing touch—it adds a vibrant, fresh note every time. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting yet healthful soups you’ll ever make!
Pro Tips for Making Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe
- Turmeric Timing: Adding turmeric early while sautéing helps it bloom and release its full flavor; don’t skip this or it might taste flat.
- Gentle Simmer: Keep your soup at a low simmer to prevent coconut milk from breaking—if you see bubbling, turn the heat down right away.
- Shred While Warm: Shred your chicken when it’s still warm but cool enough to handle; hot chicken can be tricky and shredding cold chicken takes longer.
- Fresh Herbs Last: Add parsley at the end to keep its bright flavor and color vibrant instead of cooking it down to dullness.
How to Serve Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle an extra handful of fresh parsley on top and sometimes add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. A little cracked black pepper on top is the finishing touch that wakes up all the flavors. If you like a bit of crunch, some toasted pumpkin seeds on the side have been a fun surprise to my family!
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with warm crusty bread for dipping or a side salad with crisp greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. Sometimes, a small bowl of quinoa or brown rice on the side rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this turmeric chicken soup in mini bread bowls—everyone loved the rustic vibe and the extra treat of edible serving ware. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens also takes it up a notch for an unexpected pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the fridge. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen this soup in portion-sized containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove. The texture stays great, though I recommend adding a little extra fresh parsley after reheating to refresh the flavors.
Reheating
Reheat your Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe gently over low-medium heat to avoid boiling, which could curdle the coconut milk. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Remember to brighten with fresh herbs at the end for that freshly-made feeling.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well as thighs in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as breasts tend to cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked. Shredding the chicken after cooking helps keep the texture tender.
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Is this soup suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes! This recipe uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it creamy and rich without lactose. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding dairy or looking to reduce inflammation.
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Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
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What if I don’t have frozen peas—can I leave them out?
For sure. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness, but the soup is delicious on its own without them. You can also substitute with green beans or fresh peas when in season.
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How do I prevent the coconut milk from curdling?
Keep the heat low and avoid boiling the soup vigorously once the coconut milk is added. A gentle simmer is key. Stir occasionally and remove from heat as soon as the soup is warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen for cold days, when someone’s feeling under the weather, or just when we want something wholesome and soothing. It reminds me that eating for health doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do—it’s a simple recipe that feels special every single time.
PrintAnti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-7 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and health-boosting Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup featuring turmeric, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables simmered with tender chicken to create a flavorful and nourishing meal perfect for chilly days or when you need a wellness boost.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 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
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 13.5 ounce can coconut milk
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 10 ounce bag frozen peas (optional)
Garnish and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add diced onions, sliced leeks, carrots, celery, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir occasionally and cook until the leeks are soft and starting to caramelize, about 14-16 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Add chopped garlic, turmeric, and poultry seasoning to the pot. Continue sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the spices and garlic are fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Broth, Coconut Milk, and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Add the raw boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, making sure they are submerged beneath the liquid. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Partially cover and bring to a bare simmer. Let it cook gently on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent the coconut milk from splitting.
- Shred the Chicken and Add Finishing Ingredients: Remove the lid and take the chicken out onto a cutting board to cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or chop it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with frozen peas (if using) and chopped fresh parsley. Bring the soup back to a slow simmer for about 5 minutes, just until peas turn bright green and are soft.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a nourishing bowl of anti-inflammatory turmeric chicken soup.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender texture, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding coconut milk to prevent it from curdling.
- Fresh turmeric can be used as a substitute for powdered turmeric, but adjust quantity to about 1 tablespoon grated.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg