Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe

Soothing Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Weeknight dinners demand something comforting and nourishing, and this golden turmeric chicken soup recipe delivers pure warmth in every spoonful.

The vibrant yellow broth swirls with tender chicken and aromatic spices that dance across your palate.

Fragrant herbs mingle with rich, healing ingredients, creating a bowl of pure wellness and satisfaction.

Each carefully selected component adds depth and complexity to this soul-soothing meal.

Packed with anti-inflammatory turmeric and hearty vegetables, this soup promises more than just nutrition, it offers a culinary embrace.

One taste will transport you to a world of comfort and healing.

Warm up your evening with this incredible soup that nourishes both body and spirit.

FAQs

  • Is turmeric good for health in this soup?

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness when added to chicken soup.

  • Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground?

Absolutely! Fresh turmeric provides a more vibrant flavor. Use 1-2 tablespoons of grated fresh turmeric as a direct replacement for ground turmeric in the recipe.

  • What makes this soup different from traditional chicken soup?

The addition of turmeric and coconut milk creates a unique, golden-colored soup with enhanced flavor complexity and a creamy texture compared to classic chicken soup.

Turmeric Chicken Soup Good Points

  • Packed with turmeric's powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this soup provides a delicious way to support your body's natural defense system.
  • Minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy families wanting a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Creamy coconut milk and tender shredded chicken create a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug, ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a mood lift.
  • Loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and healing spices, this soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes your body and satisfies your taste buds.

Turmeric Chicken Soup Ingredient List

Base Vegetables:
  • Onions: Sweet aromatics that form the flavor foundation of the soup.
  • Leeks: Mild allium that adds subtle depth and complexity to the base.
  • Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Celery: Brings a fresh, light herbal note to the vegetable base.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Turmeric: Adds warm, earthy color and anti-inflammatory health benefits.
  • Poultry Seasoning: Classic herb blend that complements chicken dishes perfectly.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the primary liquid and provides rich, savory flavor.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds creamy texture and subtle tropical undertone.
Protein:
  • Chicken: The main protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Peas: Adds sweet, bright green color and light vegetable texture.
  • Parsley, Fresh: Brings fresh herb brightness and visual garnish to the soup.
Seasoning Adjusters:
  • Salt, Pepper: Helps balance and enhance the overall soup flavor.

Tools for Turmeric Chicken Soup

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire soup from start to finish.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping vegetables like onions, leeks, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to chop vegetables and later shred cooked chicken.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring vegetables and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, turmeric, and poultry seasoning.
  • Ladle: Useful for serving the finished soup into bowls.

Cooking Turmeric Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, sliced leeks, diced carrots, and chopped celery.

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables become tender and develop a light golden color, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 2: Awaken Fragrant Spices

Introduce minced garlic, ground turmeric, and poultry seasoning to the vegetable mixture.

Stir continuously and cook until the spices release their enticing aroma, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Build Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and creamy coconut milk.

Gently add whole chicken pieces, bringing the liquid to a soft, bubbling simmer.

Cover the pot and let the chicken cook thoroughly, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Protein and Fresh Greens

Carefully remove chicken from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the soup, then add:
  • Green peas
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until peas turn a vibrant green color.

Step 5: Final Seasoning Touch

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

If desired, sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top before serving.

Turmeric Chicken Soup Tips

  • Toast turmeric and poultry seasoning in oil before adding liquids to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the soup's taste profile.
  • Remove chicken breasts precisely at 165°F internal temperature to ensure they remain tender and juicy without overcooking.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly and sautĂ© slowly to develop natural sweetness and create a rich foundational flavor for the soup.
  • Whisk coconut milk thoroughly before adding to prevent separation and create a smooth, silky broth texture.
  • Let shredded chicken rest in hot broth for 2-3 minutes after cooking to absorb additional seasoning and enhance overall moisture.

Soup Twist Ideas

  • Vegan Golden Soup: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap parsley for cilantro to create a zesty Mexican-inspired soup.
  • Low-Carb Keto Edition: Eliminate peas, increase vegetables like cauliflower and zucchini, and add heavy cream instead of coconut milk for a high-fat option.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Wellness Soup: Boost turmeric quantity, include fresh ginger, and add a pinch of black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption and maximize health benefits.

Serving Turmeric Chicken Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Serve this turmeric chicken soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the rich, golden broth.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top the soup with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy chickpeas for extra protein and satisfying crunch.
  • Fresh Herbal Flourish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, dill, or green onions just before serving to add bright, zesty flavor and aromatic freshness.
  • Warming Side Pairing: Complement the soup with a light quinoa salad or warm brown rice to create a complete, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.

Soup Storage Info

  • Store leftover soup in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
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Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe

Turmeric Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warming spices highlight this turmeric chicken soup from North African cuisine. Golden broth with tender chicken promises comfort and nourishment for hungry diners seeking hearty healing.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.25 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 bag (10 ounces / 283 grams) frozen peas

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatic vegetables in hot oil, allowing onions, leeks, carrots, and celery to soften and caramelize at medium heat for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, ground turmeric, and poultry seasoning to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spices release their fragrant oils.
  3. Pour broth and coconut milk into the pot, gently nestling whole chicken pieces into the liquid. Cover and simmer at low temperature for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken cooks thoroughly without becoming tough.
  4. Carefully extract chicken from the soup, using two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the pot and add vibrant green peas and chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Allow soup to gently bubble for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and peas to become tender yet maintain their bright color.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Dial down the turmeric if you prefer a milder flavor, as it can be quite potent and earthy.
  • Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this comforting soup.
  • Choose bone-in chicken for richer, more complex flavor profiles that infuse deeper into the broth.
  • Fresh turmeric root provides more vibrant taste and health benefits compared to dried ground turmeric, so experiment if available.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 395
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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