This vibrant Turmeric Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nourishing option for a healthy chicken dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how comforting it tastes. This recipe is perfect for boosting your weeknight meal rotation.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use cooked shredded chicken to save time.
- Turmeric: Fresh turmeric root offers the best flavor and color, but ground turmeric works too.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and spinach are classic. Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or kale.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (or 1 inch fresh turmeric, grated)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Soften the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your healthy chicken dinner.
3. Add Garlic, Ginger, and Turmeric
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. This infuses the soup with wonderful aromatic notes.
4. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Return Chicken and Cook
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. This creates a hearty and healthy chicken dinner.
6. Stir in Spinach and Season
Stir in the spinach until it wilts, which only takes a minute or two. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for the perfect healthy chicken dinner.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the warm Turmeric Chicken and Vegetable Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your comforting and healthy chicken dinner.
Variation Ideas
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Include a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Stir in a handful of whole-wheat pasta or brown rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Turmeric Chicken and Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can you freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work equally well for this healthy chicken dinner.
Can you add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, green beans, or even diced sweet potato for more variety.
How can you make this soup creamier?
You can stir in a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of plain yogurt at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.