Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup (Print Version)

Fragrant, golden soup with tender chicken pieces simmered in aromatic turmeric broth with vegetables and fresh greens.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
07 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale leaves

→ Broth & Liquids

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
12 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
13 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
15 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Herbs

16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds to release aromatic oils.
03 - Add chicken pieces and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just opaque on the surface.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
05 - Add spinach or kale and simmer for 5 additional minutes until wilted and chicken is fully cooked through.
06 - Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The turmeric and ginger work together in a way that makes your whole body feel better, not just satisfied.
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it's been simmering all day.
  • One pot means minimal cleanup, which honestly matters when you're already not feeling great.
02 -
  • Don't skip blooming the spices in oil for 30 seconds—this one step is what makes the turmeric taste warm and integrated rather than dusty and flat.
  • If your turmeric is old, it won't have the same golden color or depth, so buy a fresh jar if it's been sitting around for months.
03 -
  • Make a big batch and freeze it in portions—it's one of those soups that actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together.
  • If you accidentally oversalt it, a potato simmered in the broth will absorb some of the salt, or just add more broth to dilute it.
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