If you’re feeling heavy, tired, or just not yourself, this detox chicken soup offers a gentle way to reset. It’s a clean, healing dish made with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and anti-inflammatory spices. Whether you’re bouncing back from an illness, recovering after a weekend of indulgence, or simply trying to eat lighter, this soup brings together everything your body needs. It’s warm, satisfying, and good for you — the kind of meal that makes you feel better with every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gentle Detox for the Body
Made with ingredients known to support cleansing — like ginger, turmeric, parsley, and vinegar — this soup helps your system flush out toxins naturally.
Supports Digestion and Reduces Bloating
With fiber from vegetables and soothing herbs, this recipe is designed to comfort the gut and help eliminate excess water retention and discomfort.
Low-Calorie, High-Nutrient Meal
Even though it’s light, this soup is still filling thanks to lean chicken breast and a colorful mix of nourishing vegetables. It’s perfect for those looking for healthy meals that don’t feel like a sacrifice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this soup plays a specific role, whether it’s for flavor, nutrition, or healing. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and protein-rich, these are ideal for a clean meal.
- 2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth: A lighter, heart-friendly base that still delivers deep flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and support nutrient absorption.
- 1 diced white onion: Adds subtle sweetness and supports natural detox functions.
- 2 cups chopped celery: A hydrating vegetable that contributes crunch, fiber, and a clean taste.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: A natural immune booster with bold flavor and health benefits.
- 3 tablespoons grated or finely chopped ginger: Known for calming digestion and reducing inflammation.
- 3 peeled carrots, sliced into thin rounds: Provide color, sweetness, and a good dose of beta-carotene.
- 2½ cups broccoli florets, chopped: High in fiber and antioxidants, supports overall wellness.
- 1½ cups frozen green peas: A source of plant-based protein and mild natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Brings anti-inflammatory power and golden color.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds a touch of warmth to help wake up your system. Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A digestive aid that adds tang and brightness.
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste: For balanced seasoning.
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and natural detoxifying properties.
Each of these simple, budget-friendly ingredients helps create a balanced, healing soup that tastes as good as it makes you feel.
How to Make Detox Chicken Soup
This one-pot soup is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. You’ll start by cooking down the aromatics, followed by simmering chicken and veggies in broth. Toward the end, the chicken is shredded and added back for a final burst of comfort and flavor.
The process is straightforward and the result is a warm, vibrant soup that’s ready in about an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop all your vegetables. Dice the onion and celery. Peel and slice the carrots into coins. Chop the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the parsley. Set everything aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Broth
Place the raw chicken breasts into the pot. Add the sliced carrots, turmeric, chili flakes, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir. Bring the pot to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and let the chicken cook for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s fully done. Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute, then shred it using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Add Remaining Vegetables
With the chicken removed, add the chopped broccoli, frozen peas, and parsley into the broth. Let them simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Add more broth if needed to keep the vegetables submerged.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Pot
Once the vegetables are done, return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 8: Final Taste and Serve
Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Opt for low-sodium broth to keep things lighter and reduce bloating.
- If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead. Just shred and add during the last steps.
- Don’t overcook the chicken or vegetables — they should remain juicy and slightly crisp.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale at the very end for extra nutrition.
- A splash of lemon juice right before serving adds brightness and helps balance the flavors.
Details
Flavor: Light, herbal, and gently spiced
Texture: Soft vegetables, shredded chicken, and a soothing broth
Occasion: Ideal for cold days, post-indulgence recovery, or anytime you need a healthy reset
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Notes (Optional Variations)
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or kale work great if you want more variety.
- Protein swaps: Try using turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Broth base: Bone broth adds richness and extra minerals.
- Make it spicy: Add fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a stronger kick.
- Citrus twist: Try lime juice instead of vinegar for a tangy variation.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 367 mg |
| Potassium | 657 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 3787 IU |
| Vitamin C | 37 mg |
| Calcium | 47 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on your specific ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What ingredients are commonly used in detox chicken soup?
Detox chicken soup is typically made with lean chicken, low-sodium broth, fresh vegetables like carrots and broccoli, and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Apple cider vinegar and herbs are often added for extra cleansing benefits.
Does detox chicken soup help with digestion and bloating?
Yes. The broth hydrates while ingredients like ginger, garlic, and high-fiber vegetables aid digestion and help reduce bloating naturally.
How long should detox chicken soup simmer for best results?
Simmer the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked. Then allow the vegetables to cook for about 10 minutes more. The total simmer time is roughly 30 minutes.
Can detox chicken soup be eaten daily?
Absolutely. This soup is balanced and light enough to enjoy every day. You can rotate in different vegetables or proteins to keep it interesting.
Storage Instructions
After the soup cools, transfer it into airtight containers for storage.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens.
Detox Chicken Soup | Ultimate Healing Recipe to Feel Light and Energized
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A soothing detox chicken soup filled with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and healing herbs. Great for digestion, immune support, and overall wellness.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion, diced
2 cups celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons ginger, grated
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2½ cups broccoli, chopped
1½ cups frozen peas
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Chop all vegetables and aromatics.
2. Heat olive oil in a soup pot. Add onion, celery, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
3. Add chicken, carrots, turmeric, chili flakes, vinegar, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked.
5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
6. Add broccoli, peas, and parsley. Simmer until tender.
7. Return shredded chicken to the pot and cook for 2 more minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to speed things up.
Add greens like spinach at the end.
Do not overcook to preserve texture.
Finish with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups, Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 179
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 367mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
This detox chicken soup is more than just a light meal. It’s a wholesome, healing dish designed to nourish your body and restore your balance. Easy to make, easy to love, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for everyday wellness or those times when your body needs a little extra care. Keep it on hand for those days when you want to feel clean, light, and comforted — all in one bowl.