Description

This Healthy Chicken Soup is a nourishing and comforting recipe that combines tender seared chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful turmeric-spiced broth. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this soup is packed with nutrients and made with simple, whole ingredients that are easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Oils

1 tablespoon avocado oil or ghee
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced

Liquids and Seasonings

6 cups chicken broth
2 dried bay leaves
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste

Instructions

Heat the oil: Warm the avocado oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper generously on both sides. Place them in the hot pot and cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: To the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened.
Add broth and seasonings: Return the chicken to the pot along with the chicken broth, bay leaves, turmeric powder, salt, and sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer the soup: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the soup and shred it using two forks. Then, add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine well.
Finish with herbs and lemon: Turn the heat to low, stir in fresh chopped dill and fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of avocado oil.
You can substitute chicken broth with homemade bone broth for extra nutrition.
Adjust turmeric quantity to your taste preference; it adds a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color.
This soup can also be made with leftover cooked chicken to save time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze portions for up to 2 months for convenient meals later.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, turmeric soup, homemade chicken broth soup, easy chicken soup recipe, low fat soup