Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Honestly, when the weather starts turning chilly, there’s nothing quite like wrapping myself in a blanket and indulging in a bowl of this Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup—it’s like a cozy hug from the inside.
A bowl of Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup has no match when it comes to warming both body and soul. There is so much to adore about this recipe.
Fresh ginger and ground turmeric add an incredible warmth that is hard to find in any other soup. The juice and zest of lemons brighten the flavor profile and add a vibrant tartness that is, well, lemony.
This soup has such a wonderful balance of flavor. When you factor in that it is also good for you—it has lots of vitamins and minerals packed into it—the soup is just unbeatable.
Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor and aids in vitamin absorption.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness; rich in antioxidants and fiber.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity and offers a pungent, savory flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties; adds a warming, spicy note.
- Ground Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, rich in curcumin; provides golden color and earthy taste.
- Chicken Broth: Provides protein and a rich, savory base for the soup.
- Lemon: Adds a bright, tangy flavor; rich in vitamin C.
- Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins; adds freshness and color.
Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish, chopped
How to Make this Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
1. Warm the olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and the grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
3. Mix well, cooking for another minute, and then add the ground turmeric.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Put the chicken parts into the pot and lower the heat to a simmer. Let them cook for 10 minutes.
6. Mix in the sliced carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
7. Add the leaves of baby spinach and let them wilt, which should take about 2 minutes.
8. Incorporate the lemon juice and zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. Allow the soup to stew for an additional 5 minutes so that the flavors can combine.
10. Serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy your Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup!
Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Grater
7. Citrus zester
8. Ladle
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breast and will yield an even more flavorful soup.
- Is there a substitute for fresh ginger?1 teaspoon of ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?Certainly! Use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, and add more vegetables to take the place of the chicken.
- How can I store leftovers?Leftover soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it:
1. Use an airtight container.
2. Keep it in the refrigerator.To reheat:
– Use the stove or microwave.
- Can I freeze this soup?Indeed, this broth can be stored in the freezer for as long as 2 months. Make sure to allow it to reach room temperature before moving it to a container that is appropriate for the freezer.
- What can I use as a garnish instead of cilantro or parsley?For a different flavor profile, try using fresh dill or a sprinkle of green onions.
Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Coconut oil or canola oil can replace olive oil.
Ginger, fresh, can be replaced with ginger, ground; 1 tsp. Top off with = 2 – 3.5 g ginger, fresh (approx. 1-in. piece, peeled and slivered); or = 1 tsp. ginger, dried or ground; or = 1 tsp. ginger, steeped in hot water (ginger tea).
Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Thighs of chicken can be used instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts to achieve a more flavorsome dish.
Kale or Swiss chard can take the place of spinach leaves.
Pro Tips
1. Searing the Chicken Before adding the chicken pieces to the broth, quickly sear them in a separate pan until they are golden brown. This step will add a deeper flavor to the soup.
2. Homemade Broth If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a richer, more robust flavor. Simmer chicken bones with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs for a few hours beforehand.
3. Turmeric Boost Toast the ground turmeric slightly in the olive oil along with the garlic and ginger before adding the chicken broth. This activates its flavor and aroma.
4. Customize Vegetables Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like kale or bell peppers for a different flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the texture you prefer.
5. Marinating Chicken Marinade the chicken pieces with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest for about 30 minutes before cooking. This can enhance the chicken’s flavor and tenderness.
Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
My favorite Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Grater
7. Citrus zester
8. Ladle
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish, chopped
Instructions:
1. Warm the olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and the grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
3. Mix well, cooking for another minute, and then add the ground turmeric.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Put the chicken parts into the pot and lower the heat to a simmer. Let them cook for 10 minutes.
6. Mix in the sliced carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
7. Add the leaves of baby spinach and let them wilt, which should take about 2 minutes.
8. Incorporate the lemon juice and zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. Allow the soup to stew for an additional 5 minutes so that the flavors can combine.
10. Serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy your Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup!