Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Soup

Do you dread the cold winter months that bring the winter blues? When the days are short, nights are long, and you’re busy making sure all the holiday prep gets one and praying another strain of the flu doesn’t ravage your Christmas plans?

Even if you love this time of year (I do!), it has its challenges. The lack of sunlight, combined with the fact that people are staying indoors together, fighting large crowds, and consuming higher than normal amounts of sugar can make the season an assault on the immune system. In order to keep those immune systems running strong in the face of such trials, it’s important to nourish our bodies with health-boosting, anti-inflammatory foods.

Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Soup

Boost your immune system with this nourishing anti-inflammatory chicken soup! Packed with immune-supportive ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and thyme, and brightened with a touch of lemon, this soup is as flavorful as it is healing. Designed to combat inflammation, this wholesome dish helps your body stay resilient against germs while soothing your soul with its warm, aromatic broth. It's the perfect recipe for cold days or whenever you need a little extra wellness in your bowl!

Author: Jess Cooking Method: Boiling Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Dairy Free M mediterranean Paleo

Print Recipe

Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 3 hrs Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 10 Best Season: Winter, Fall Dietary:

D dairy free G gluten free N nut-free P paleo

Ingredients

Servings

• 20 cups water (I fill an 8 quart stock with water (with the chicken already placed in it). This amounts to about 20-22 cups of water. I usually set aside 2 cups of stock for other purposes.)

• 1 whole chicken

• 8-10 stalks celery (I use one whole head of celery)

• 5-7 whole carrots

• 1 bulb fresh, grated turmeric (about 1 full tsp)

• 1 bulb fresh, grated ginger (about 1 full tsp)

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 2-3 tbsp dried thyme leaves

• 1 whole onion

• 5 cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp salt (or to taste)

• 1 tbsp pepper (or to taste, but keep in mind that pepper helps the body absorb turmeric)

Instructions

1. 1. Place whole chicken into an 8-quart stock pot and fill with water until there is an inch or two left at the top. Salt generously. Bring water to a boil, turn the heat down, cover and simmer over medium heat for 1.5 hours.
2. 2. While chicken is boiling, prepare the veggies by slicing the carrots and celery. Dice onion and garlic (or mince garlic) and grate the ginger and turmeric.
3. 3. When chicken is done boiling, remove chicken and place on a cutting board to shred once it is cooled. Pour meat stock into a bowl using a sieve to filter it as your pour.
4. 4. Add a tsp of olive oil to the bottom of the stock pot. Place carrots, onion, and celery with some of the seasonings into the pot and cook over medium-high heat until they begin to soften. Add grated turmeric, ginger, and garlic and continue cooking.
5. 5. When veggies are soft, add meat stock into the soup with remaining seasoning and boil for 10 minutes.
6. 6. If you would like to add egg noodles to your soup, add them at this point and boil for another 7-8 minutes.
7. 7. Turn off heat and add lemon juice and shredded chicken. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to mesh together.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 200kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Potassium 403mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 8g3%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 14g29%

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Vitamin A 1949 IU

Calcium 65 mg

Iron 2 mg

Folate 27 mcg

Phosphorus 143 mg

Magnesium 35 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 11 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

*I divide the seasoning and add a little throughout the cooking process. I find this makes the flavor richer. In this recipe, that means the thyme, salt, and pepper.

*Due to medical reasons and personal preference, I use much more salt than I include in my recipes. Don't be afraid to play around with the amount of seasoning and lemon juice to suit your tastes.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory, warming