If you need a cozy, easy weeknight dinner that actually makes you feel good, this anti-inflammatory turmeric chicken soup is it. This turmeric chicken soup is warm, simple, and made in one pot with everyday ingredients. It’s a healthy chicken soup your whole family will eat — and you’ll love how easy it is to pull together.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you don’t want anything complicated.
Before You Start
This is a one-pot chicken soup. Chop everything first so cooking feels smooth and stress-free.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon
Simple pantry ingredients. Nothing fancy.
Instructions
1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and slightly translucent.
You’ll notice a gentle sweetness in the smell — that’s your base building flavor.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric
Stir in garlic, fresh ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Cook for about 1 minute. You should smell the turmeric blooming — warm, earthy, slightly peppery. Don’t let the garlic brown.
This step wakes up the spices and makes a big difference in flavor.
3. Add chicken and broth
Place the chicken breasts directly into the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
4. Simmer until tender
Cover and let simmer for 18–22 minutes.
You’re looking for chicken that’s fully cooked and tender. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
The broth will turn a beautiful golden color — that’s the turmeric working its magic.
5. Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board.
Use two forks to shred. The meat should pull apart easily and look juicy, not dry.
Return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Final touches
Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness if you like.
Finish with fresh parsley right before serving.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Why This Works for Busy Nights
- One pot = fewer dishes
- Simple ingredients you probably have
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Family-friendly flavor (not spicy)
- Makes great leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
It’s the kind of healthy chicken soup that feels comforting, not “diet food.”
Variations
Add rice:
Stir in ½ cup uncooked white rice during simmering and cook until tender.
Make it low-carb:
Add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice at the end.
Boost the greens:
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Use rotisserie chicken:
Skip the raw chicken step. Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken and simmer 10 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing.
Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
The flavor actually deepens the next day — it’s even better.
FAQ
1. Does turmeric make the soup taste strong?
No. It adds warmth and color but isn’t overpowering. The flavor is mild and family-friendly.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Boneless skinless thighs work great and add extra richness. Cooking time stays about the same.
3. Is this soup spicy?
Not at all. It’s cozy and savory. You can add red pepper flakes if you want heat.
This anti-inflammatory turmeric chicken soup is simple, comforting, and exactly what busy weeknights need. It’s warm without being heavy and healthy without feeling boring.
If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas your family will actually eat, check out the full collection here:
