Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy bowl of comfort that soothes both the body and soul, this Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup is just what you need. Packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant spices, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I crave something nourishing. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

What makes this soup extra special is its rich, golden color from turmeric, which not only adds flavor but also boasts incredible health benefits. With tender chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables in every bite, it’s truly the best way to warm up when you need a little homemade nourishment. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This one-pot wonder comes together in no time, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-friendly appeal: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, even the pickiest eaters will be begging for more.
• Make-ahead convenience: It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze!
• Deliciously healthy: Loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients, it’s great for boosting your immune system while tasting amazing.
• Versatile options: You can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs or ingredient availability!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup, you’ll use simple and wholesome items that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 thighs or breasts
• 1 10 ounce bag frozen peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

One of the wonderful things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of raw chicken for a quicker option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end for an extra boost of greens.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix.

How to Make Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add in the diced onions, leeks, carrots, celery, and kosher salt. Sauté these veggies until the leeks soften and start caramelizing—this should take about 14 to 16 minutes. This step is important because it develops a sweet base flavor for your soup!

Step 2: Add Spices and Garlic

Next, stir in the chopped garlic along with turmeric and poultry seasoning. Keep sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything smells wonderfully fragrant. The garlic adds depth while the turmeric brings that beautiful color and health benefits we love.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Chicken

Pour in your chicken broth and coconut milk next. Gently place the raw chicken into the pot while scraping any stuck bits off the bottom—those are full of flavor! Bring everything to a bare simmer and ensure that your chicken is submerged beneath the liquid before partially covering it. Let it simmer on low until everything is tender—about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Peas

After simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot onto a cutting board. Once it’s cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces or shred it with two forks. Pop that chicken back into your soup along with frozen peas (if using) and fresh parsley. Allow everything to come back to a slow simmer for about 5 minutes until those peas are bright green!

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally, taste your soup and season with additional salt or black pepper as needed. Ladle generous portions into bowls—don’t forget an extra sprinkle of parsley on top if you like! Enjoy every nourishing spoonful of this delightful Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup

Making this soup is not only simple but also rewarding! Here are a few tips to enhance your cooking experience and elevate the flavors of your anti inflammatory turmeric chicken soup.

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Having everything chopped and measured before you start cooking can save you time and prevent stress during the process. This way, you can focus on enjoying the cooking experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables provide a burst of flavor that dried or older ingredients may lack. Choosing fresh leeks, carrots, and parsley will make your soup taste vibrant and delicious.

• Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices according to your personal taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some fresh ginger can introduce an extra layer of warmth and flavor, making the soup even more comforting.

• Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps develop deeper flavors. A slow simmer also ensures that the chicken remains tender while preventing the coconut milk from splitting.

• Make it Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage. Just remember to leave out any garnishes until serving!

How to Serve Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup

Serving this delightful soup is a fantastic opportunity to create a cozy mealtime atmosphere. Here are some ideas to make it even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightens up the flavors.
• Lemon Wedges: Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over your bowl can enhance the soup’s taste with a refreshing zing.
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Adding crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds not only gives texture but also boosts nutritional value with healthy fats.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the soup.
• Whole Grain Bread: Serve with slices of whole grain bread or crusty baguette for some delightful dipping action.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted veggies offers a wonderful contrast in textures while keeping things healthy.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy dressing balances out the richness of the soup perfectly.

With these serving suggestions, your anti inflammatory turmeric chicken soup will not only nourish your body but also delight your palate! Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and store it for those busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Be sure to label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this tasty soup!

Can I use other types of chicken in the Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless thighs or breasts are recommended, you can also use chicken drumsticks or even rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How does turmeric benefit my health in this Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup?

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to its active ingredient, curcumin. Including it in your diet can help combat inflammation, support joint health, and boost overall wellness. This makes our soup not just comforting but nourishing too!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version of the Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup, simply replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still be delightful!

How long does it take to make the Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup?

The total time to prepare and cook this comforting soup is about 1 hour. With just 15 minutes of prep work and 45 minutes of cooking, it’s an efficient choice for healthy meals!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this warm and nourishing Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup as much as I do! With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and sharing love through food. Happy cooking!