There’s something magical about a pot of soup simmering away when the days turn cold, and your body craves warmth, relief, and something deeply nourishing. Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for Colds brings that comfort home with each spoonful. This isn’t just any soup, it’s a go-to in our house whenever sniffles start, or the weather turns gloomy. My story with this recipe starts in a small diner in Vermont where I was working during the fall season. A local cook showed me how ginger and turmeric weren’t just flavorful, they were soul-soothing.
Years later, I still come back to this soup every time the temperature drops or someone at home needs a healing meal. It’s warm, fragrant, full of tender chicken and golden broth, and the ginger-turmeric combo works like a hug from the inside out.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to make this soup a household staple, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations and storing tips. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner with a pot and a wooden spoon, you’ll love making and sharing this one.
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Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for Colds
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A warm, immune-boosting bowl of comfort made with fragrant ginger, golden turmeric, tender chicken, and vibrant greens. This healing soup is perfect for chilly days and cold relief.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh turmeric (or ½ teaspoon ground turmeric)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked basmati rice or noodles
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, cumin, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and spinach or kale. Simmer for another 5 minutes until greens wilt and chicken is heated through.
- Stir in lemon juice just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more lemon juice as needed.
- Optional: Stir in cooked rice or noodles for a heartier soup.
Notes
Use fresh ginger and turmeric for deeper flavor. Add red pepper flakes for heat. Coconut milk can be stirred in for creaminess. Great for meal prep or freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients: What You’ll Need to Make Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for Colds
You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, but here’s a closer look at what brings this soup together.
Fresh, Anti-Inflammatory Flavors
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh turmeric (or ½ teaspoon ground turmeric)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Healing, Hearty Base
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked basmati rice or noodles for added comfort
This powerful blend of ingredients helps ease sore throats, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Ginger and turmeric are well-known for their cold-fighting properties, while chicken broth is hydrating and comforting.
For similar warm and cozy bowls, you might love this creamy twist on gnocchi soup recipes or hearty chicken potato soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Layers of Comfort
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Let it sizzle for about a minute to unlock all that flavor.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Toss in the carrots and celery, sprinkle with cumin and black pepper, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until everything starts to soften. The kitchen should already smell amazing by now.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Stir in the Chicken and Greens
Add your cooked, shredded chicken and greens of choice, spinach or kale both work great. Cook just until the greens wilt and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice
Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice. It brightens the soup beautifully and adds a refreshing lift to every bite.
For a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil. If you’re in the mood for heartier bowls, check out this spicy chicken noodle soup for comparison.
Tips for Success: Making This Soup Even Better
1. Use Fresh Ginger and Turmeric When Possible
Fresh roots bring a deeper, earthier flavor and stronger healing benefits. If you can’t find them, powdered versions are fine, just adjust the quantities slightly.
2. Shred Chicken While Warm
Chicken is easiest to shred while it’s still warm. If you’re cooking it fresh for the recipe, poach or roast a couple of breasts ahead of time.
3. Make It a Meal with Rice or Noodles
If you’re serving this as dinner, stir in a cup of cooked rice or noodles to make it more filling. It turns the soup into a meal that satisfies even the hungriest eaters.
4. Don’t Skip the Lemon
This little splash at the end balances out the earthiness and brings the whole bowl to life.
For another broth-forward idea, check out this smooth and cozy chicken broccoli cheese soup recipe or the unique twist of cheese broth with potatoes and elote.
Variations: Customize Your Bowl
Gluten-Free Version
This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is certified GF. Just skip any noodles or use gluten-free options like rice noodles.
Add Coconut Milk for Creaminess
Want a creamier texture? Stir in half a cup of coconut milk right before adding the chicken. It brings richness and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the ginger.
Vegan Option
Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth. It’s just as nourishing and comforting, perfect if you’re feeding a plant-based crowd.
Streusel Topping? Not Here!
While this soup doesn’t call for sweetness, a comforting dessert like our autumn squash soup pairs beautifully for a full seasonal meal.
How to Store and Reheat Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for Colds
In the Fridge:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully over time.
In the Freezer:
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then portion it into containers or freezer bags. Leave out the greens and lemon juice if freezing; add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating Tips:
Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm over medium heat on the stove. If the soup has thickened, add a little water or broth to loosen it up.
Looking for more seasonal soups to batch and freeze? Try this comforting korean tofu soup or our velvety velveeta broccoli cheese soup.
FAQ: Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for Colds
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just make sure it’s skinless and shredded.
2. Is this soup spicy?
Not unless you add spice. The ginger adds warmth, but if you want heat, throw in chili flakes or a sliced jalapeño.
3. What’s the best type of broth to use?
Homemade is wonderful, but a good quality store-bought low-sodium chicken broth works beautifully.
4. Can I prep this ahead for meal planning?
Absolutely. Make a double batch, freeze half, and you’ve got a ready-to-go remedy for any cold day.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Nourishment, Always
Whether you’re fighting off a cold, craving something comforting, or just want a warm bowl of wellness, Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for Colds delivers. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and easy to make with ingredients that work with your body—not against it. With every spoonful, you’re wrapping yourself in the kind of comfort that comes from a well-loved kitchen.
Let this recipe be your go-to when you’re feeling under the weather, or even when you’re not. It’s a reader favorite, and now it can be a staple in your home, too.