Immune Boosting Chicken Soup with Turmeric

This simple and nourishing Immune Boosting Turmeric Chicken soup is filled with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, garlic, spinach and turmeric. Comes together in no time and is Whole30, Paleo and Keto. The perfect soup to boost your immune system all winter long and beet the flu season!

One of the most relaxing and therapeutic things for me to make is a big pot of soup. Especially when the temperatures drop just a little bit. I do love to use my Crock Pot on colder days (or any day, really!). But for this recipe, I used my vintage Dutch oven (I just found out it was a Dutch oven brand that Julia Child used!).

As I’m writing this post, I am making another batch of this comforting and immune-boosting soup. The aromas are incredible, and the best part is,  it requires little hands on time!

Originally posted October 2020 and republished January 2022. We just can't get enough of this flavorful soup!

There isn’t a chicken soup I will turn away, but mom’s slow cooker whole chicken soup is my hands down favorite! This immunity boosting chicken soup with turmeric is a close second favorite. This soup for me is very special as it is an example of how food is our medicine.

One of the most relaxing and therapeutic things for me to make is a big pot of soup. Especially when the temperatures drop just a little bit. I do love to use my Crock Pot on colder days (or any day, really!). But for this recipe, I used my vintage Dutch oven (I just found out it was a Dutch oven brand that Julia Child used!).

As I’m writing this post, I am making another batch of this comforting and immune-boosting soup. The aromas are incredible, and the best part is, it requires little hands on time!

Originally posted October 2020 and republished January 2022. We just can't get enough of this flavorful soup!

There isn’t a chicken soup I will turn away, but mom’s slow cooker whole chicken soup is my hands down favorite! This immunity boosting chicken soup with turmeric is a close second favorite. This soup for me is very special as it is an example of how food is our medicine and how it benefits your overall health. It's one of the best feel-good soup recipes I know.

why you'll love this healthy chicken soup

• It is detoxing
• Perfect recipe if you are feeling sick
• It has the gift of anti-inflammatory benefits.
• It can help a sore throat
• All the incredible antioxidants will give your immune system a nice boost.
• A delicious detox soup everyone in the family will really enjoy!
• Very flavorful
• It only takes 10 minutes to prep
• Packed with vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Iron
• Easy to make.
• Can be done on the stovetop or slow cooker
• Perfect for meal prepping for lunch or dinner all week.

I’ve been using turmeric in so many recipes and LOVE golden milk (I'll have to post a recipe for that one day, it's so easy to make!). Turmeric does pack a healthy punch… If this incredible spice is new to you, here is why you need it in your life:

health benefits of turmeric

• Filled with antioxidants: this means it could help get rid of any free-radicals, which helps prevent disease and even slows aging process down.
• Natural anti-inflammatory: it may really help those with arthritis, autoimmunity issues, and a plethora of other issues.
• Good for your brain: As it reduces inflammation, it could help protect against Alzheimer’s.

These are just a few reasons why turmeric is amazing, and I am not a health expert, I am just referring to adding it into your recipes and what benefits you could get from it (check with your doctor before taking the supplement).

Turmeric needs to go along with freshly ground black pepper (someone one time at Whole Food told me this a while back) in order to get absorbed. I usually don’t use more than 1 teaspoon in whatever I’m making with it. The more you add, the more you’ll detect its flavor. One teaspoon is plenty for my taste and is just the right amount.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are another really great addition to this detoxing soup. Not only are they low sodium and fat free (also, cholesterol free), they are packed with vitamins, minerals and even fiber.

what ingredients are in a healthy chicken soup recipe

This immune boosting soup is packed with organic vegetables (I always buy organic celery and carrots, I use them in so many recipes throughout the week and it costs just a bit more for the organic), chicken, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, turmeric and a touch of spice.

• Let’s talk about the chicken: For this recipe I used my own that I roasted, but feel free to use a rotisserie chicken. If you use a rotisserie chicken, the soup is ready in just 30 minutes (super fast!). If you have chicken breasts on hand, add them to the soup and let them cook in the broth. Shred them when they’re ready (will take them about 25 minute to cook up).This makes the perfect chicken broth.
• For the bone broth: I roasted my chicken and shredded it up. I simmered the chicken bones and made my own broth (I simmered it with fresh herbs like dill and parsley and added in carrots, celery and onion). I strained it and this was the bone broth I used (really economical way to make your own bone broth). And I use the broth in the next few days in other recipes.

Here is what is needed for this flavorful turmeric chicken soup:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This healthy fat is used for sautéing the vegetables and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a unique flavor base when sautéed.
• Celery and Carrots: These are traditional soup vegetables that add color, texture, and essential nutrients.
• Mushrooms: They enrich the soup with a meaty texture and are packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Garlic: Adds an aromatic and savory flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Bone Broth or Stock: Serves as the flavorful and nutrient-rich base of the soup.
• Coconut Aminos: Adds umami flavor and is a healthier, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
• Bay Leaves: These are used for their distinctive, somewhat floral, flavor that deepens the other flavors in the soup.
• Turmeric: This spice contributes to the soup's color and provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Ground Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and aids in the absorption of turmeric.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the soup.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Adds protein and makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Baby Spinach: Provides a pop of color and is a great source of iron and other essential nutrients.
• Fresh Dill: Used for garnish and adds a fresh, slightly tangy flavor to the soup.

how to make immune boosting turmeric chicken soup

You could put together this rich and nourishing soup in 30 minutes.

1. First thing to do is gather all your ingredients. I used my vintage Dutch oven, but a large pot will do fine.
2. Heat the oil in the pot (I used extra-virgin Sicilian olive oil, but even avocado oil is nice for this soup).
3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until the onion gets translucent. Stir with a wooden spoon.
4. Add in the turmeric and freshly ground black pepper. Add some spice (ground chili pepper would be great, if you like spicy!). Stir it all together.
5. Add in the garlic and stir. You don’t want the garlic to brown. Just combine it with the onion mixture.
   Add in the bone broth and the chicken and stir it all together. Bring to a boil.
6. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it all simmer together. Add the spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Season with salt, pepper, hot pepper (if you like it spicy!!).

what to serve with healthy chicken soup

• Cauliflower rice-my favorite low-carb way to enjoy the soup!
• Zucchini noodles-another nice low carb idea.
• Pastina-This very small grain pasta is still loved by my kids (any small shaped pasta). If you aren’t following low carb, this is a nice option for the kids (and trust me, my husband love it too!)
• Salad-a big tossed salad is a nice way to round out this meal.
• Bread-so if you’re not low carb, there is truly nothing like making your own bread. A comforting side with a steaming hot bowl of this healthy soup.

Expert tips for this immune-boosting soup

• Make sure to simmer your bone broth long enough so that all the nutrients are released from the bones.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, let it cook longer until it reaches the desired consistency. 
• For additional flavor, add a bit of fresh lemon juice just before serving. 
• Use organic vegetables for this recipe; they provide more vitamins

Storage tips for this vegetable soup

This soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Variations and substitutions for this homemade soup

• You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or fish. 
• If you are vegan, try using vegetable broth in place of bone broth and leave out the chicken. Add extra vegetables like sweet potato for additional flavor and texture. 
• If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, use dried versions. 
• Try adding other healthy ingredients such as kale or Swiss chard. 
• For a lightly spiced soup, omit the crushed red pepper and substitute with smoked paprika. 
• If you don’t have coconut aminos you can use tamari or soy sauce for an umami flavor. 

can you freeze turmeric chicken soup?

Yes, it is easy to freeze this soup. As soon as the soup cools down, store in airtight containers (totally freezer safe)for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a bowl, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating.

FAQ's

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More healthy soups + chili recipes you’ll love

• No Bean Butternut Squash Chili
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Kale and Chickpea Soup
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
• Chickpea Stew with Kale and Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy this powerfully healing detox soup that not only keeps you warm but is good for your soul. I hope you will keep it on rotation all winter long like I do!
One last thing…I promise 🙂

Just a quick request: if you enjoyed the recipe as much as we did, would you kindly leave me a 5-star rating and a short (or long!)comment–the ratings are what helps get my recipes and hard work discovered, so I can keep leaving you more delish recipes!

Your comments mean the world to me….and I really SMILE when I read them. Thank you so much! XX

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5 from 7 votes

Immune Boosting Chicken Soup

This simple and nourishing Immune Boosting Chicken soup is filled with natural antioxidants. Full of carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, garlic, spinach and turmeric. Comes together in no time and is Whole30, Paleo and Keto. The perfect soup to boost your immune system all winter long!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken, detox, gluten-free, paleo, soup, Whole30

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 184kcal

Author: Lora

Equipment

• 1 Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or a light flavored oil (avocado oil is nice)
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 large celery stalks chopped
• 4 large carrots peeled and chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups chicken bone broth or chicken stock
• 2 Tbsp coconut aminos this is optional
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper if using
• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded, rotisserie will do fine (I roasted a chicken just to make this soup)
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 Tablespoon fresh dill chopped

Instructions

• In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. When it is heated up, add in the onions, celery and carrots. With a wooden spoon, stir to combine. Onions should be translucent at about 3-5 minutes.
• Add in the turmeric and black pepper. Add in the crushed red pepper, if using.
• Add in the garlic and mushrooms and stir. You don’t want the garlic to brown. Just combine it with the onion mixture.
• Add in the chicken broth and coconut amino (aminos are optional, but I like the flavor boost). Bring to a boil. Add in a spoonful of the bouillon paste (or an MSG free bouillon that you like, this is optional, but I like to add in a natural bouillon paste to give it a little bit more flavor).
• Lower the heat and simmer the broth for about 20 minutes.
• Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking keeping it on a low and gentle simmer. Add in the fresh dill. The chicken just needs to heat up and the spinach will wilt up pretty quickly and be ready in just minutes). Keep it on a low simmer. You could simmer for 45 minutes total (the longer it simmers, the more the richer the flavor will be).
• Taste soup for flavor. Discard bay leaves. Check seasoning. If needed, season with additional salt and pepper (and add any hot pepper that you like).
• Ladle into bowls and enjoy! Serve with cauliflower rice (to stay low-carb).

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Notes

Chicken: I roasted a chicken just to make this soup. I used the chicken bones and made my own bone broth. I used the shredded chicken to add into the soup. You could use a rotisserie chicken. If you can find one that isn't too dry. I find sometimes it's a waste of money to get a dry chicken and it's so easy to roast your own tender chicken. And the aroma while it's cooking is incredible!
Bouillon paste: If you’e not using a low-sodium broth, you could skip the bouillon, as it may make the broth too salty.
Salt: Since I added bouillon paste and also coconut aminos, with my homemade broth, I added a bit of sea salt when checking the flavor (because my homemade bone broth was not that salty). If you use a store bought broth, and it’s not low-sodium, it may be salty enough. If you use low-sodium broth or make your own broth, and you feel it still needs salt.

 

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Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1097IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg

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