Turmeric chicken soup offers a warm, nourishing hug in a bowl. It’s a recipe built on bold spices, wholesome ingredients, and a deeply satisfying broth that brings comfort with every spoonful. This version is filled with tender chicken, golden turmeric, fresh ginger, and soft lentils, creating a dish that’s as healing as it is flavorful.
Whether you’re winding down on a chilly day or seeking relief during cold season, this homemade soup delivers. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for batch cooking.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This golden soup is not just visually inviting — it’s a delicious, nourishing way to fuel your body. Turmeric and ginger offer natural wellness benefits. Red lentils provide plant-based fiber that thickens the broth without cream. And a squeeze of lemon lifts the flavors with a fresh finish.
It’s easy to make, ideal for meal prep, and comforting enough to enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component plays an essential role in building the flavor and healing power of this soup.
For the Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (around 3½ pounds)
- 4 sprigs of thyme
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 3 ribs of celery, chopped into large chunks
- 3½ teaspoons salt
- 12 cups of water
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced into half-moons
- 4 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 scallions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1½ cups red lentils, rinsed
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Turmeric Chicken Soup
This recipe builds flavor step-by-step, starting with a homemade broth, followed by sautéed aromatics and spices, and finishing with tender lentils and shredded chicken simmered to perfection.
Lemon and scallion greens are added just before serving to bring a burst of freshness to the dish’s rich, golden tones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Broth
In a large soup pot, place the whole chicken along with thyme, shallot, and celery. Pour in about 12 cups of water to fully cover the bird. Stir in the salt, then bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 hours.
Step 2. Shred the Chicken
After cooking, carefully lift the chicken from the pot and place it in a large bowl to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. You can use or discard the skin depending on your preference.
Step 3. Strain the Broth
Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the cooking liquid into a clean bowl to remove solids. Discard the cooked vegetables and herbs. Wipe out the soup pot and place it back on the stove.
Step 4. Sauté the Vegetables
Warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in garlic and the white parts of the scallions, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5. Add Spices and Lentils
Mix in ginger and turmeric, coating the vegetables evenly. Let it cook for about a minute, then add the rinsed lentils and another pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook briefly before adding the broth.
Step 6. Simmer with Broth and Chicken
Pour the reserved broth into the pot and return the shredded chicken. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, until the lentils are soft and the flavors have blended.
Step 7. Add Lemon and Scallions
Season with black pepper and more salt if needed. Stir in crushed red pepper for heat, if desired. Finish with lemon juice and half of the green scallions. Simmer another 5 minutes to bring the flavors together.
Step 8. Serve
Ladle into bowls and top each with remaining scallion greens. Serve warm and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Sautéing turmeric with the aromatics helps it release deeper flavor and color. Rinsing the lentils before cooking removes excess starch and ensures a smoother soup. Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste at the end to balance the earthiness of the turmeric.
Details
Flavor: Earthy and rich with a refreshing citrus kick
Texture: Creamy lentils, tender chicken, soft vegetables
Occasion: Weeknight dinner, flu season remedy, or freezer meal
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Notes
For added greens, toss in spinach or kale during the final few minutes. If you prefer a creamy version, swirl in coconut milk or add a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving. You can also use green lentils, but note they take longer to cook and hold their shape more.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 512 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Protein | 69 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Fiber | 16 g |
| Sodium | 339 mg |
| Vitamin C | 21 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes turmeric chicken soup good for you?
It’s full of anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger, combined with protein from chicken and fiber from lentils, making it both healing and filling.
Will turmeric overpower the soup?
No, it adds a subtle warmth and depth. The flavors blend well with lemon, garlic, and ginger to create a balanced profile.
At what stage should I add turmeric?
Add turmeric while cooking the aromatics so it blends into the oil and vegetables, which brings out its full flavor and color.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then transfer to containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm through before eating.
Print
Turmeric Chicken Soup | A Comforting, Healing Favorite
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, vibrant turmeric chicken soup made from scratch with real ingredients like shredded chicken, lentils, and healing spices. A perfect cozy bowl for any season.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
3½ lb whole chicken
4 sprigs thyme
1 shallot, quartered
3 ribs celery, chopped
3½ tsp salt
12 cups water
For the Soup:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
4 ribs celery, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
2 tsp ginger, minced
2 tsp turmeric
1½ cups red lentils, rinsed
½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot, place chicken, thyme, shallot, and celery. Add water to cover and salt. Bring to boil, then simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
2. Remove chicken and shred once cooled. Set aside.
3. Strain broth through mesh sieve and discard solids. Clean pot and return to stove.
4. Heat olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 8–10 minutes. Add garlic and scallion whites, cook 1 more minute.
5. Add ginger and turmeric. Stir in lentils and more salt. Cook 1 minute.
6. Pour in strained broth and shredded chicken. Simmer 30 minutes.
7. Add crushed red pepper, lemon juice, and half the scallion greens. Simmer 5 more minutes.
8. Serve hot and garnish with remaining scallion greens.
Notes
Spinach or kale can be added at the end for extra greens.
Green lentils take longer to cook but can be used.
For creaminess, add a swirl of coconut milk or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 512
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 339mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 69g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Conclusion
Turmeric chicken soup is a wholesome and soul-warming dish that brings comfort and nourishment to your table. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a reliable recipe for when you need a boost or a cozy meal. Give it a try — your body and tastebuds will thank you.