Description
This comforting and nourishing chicken soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and turmeric to create the best homemade chicken soup you’ll ever eat. Perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or craving a warm, healthy meal, this recipe features pearl couscous and optional peas for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric (or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
Protein and Herbs
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, stems removed
Seasonings and Extras
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- ⅔ cup frozen peas (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Aromatics: Place a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Spices: Stir in the freshly grated ginger and turmeric (or ground turmeric). Sauté for 30 seconds to allow the spices to release their flavors and aromas.
- Add Broth, Chicken, and Herbs: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and Cook Chicken: Bring the soup to a boil, then add the pearl couscous. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the broth by stirring gently. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken and Final Touches: Remove the cooked chicken using a slotted spoon and transfer to a cutting board. Shred the chicken with two forks, then add it back into the pot. Stir in the frozen peas. If the broth seems low, add up to an additional cup to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy this warm, flavorful, and healthful chicken soup.
Notes
- This chicken soup is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic, making it an excellent choice for soothing your body when feeling under the weather.
- Using fresh turmeric will add vibrant color and a fresh zest, but ground turmeric works well too.
- Frozen peas are optional but recommended for a pop of sweetness and texture.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of broth based on your desired soup thickness and personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.4 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Protein: 23.8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
