Description
A nourishing and flavorful homemade chicken soup packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic. This comforting recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pearl couscous, making it the best chicken soup you’ll ever eat—perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or craving a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric (or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, stems removed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- ⅔ cup frozen peas (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Place a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat and add in oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic, diced onion, thinly sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables have softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in the freshly grated ginger and turmeric. Sauté for about 30 seconds to let the spices release their flavors and aromas.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Add the chicken breast or thighs, freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Couscous and Simmer: Stir in the pearl couscous, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the broth by pushing it down if needed. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and couscous is tender.
- Shred Chicken and Finish Soup: Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and shred it using two forks on a cutting board. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir in the frozen peas, and add additional broth if needed for preferred soup consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- This soup is packed with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and garlic, making it perfect for nourishing your body when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs will yield juicier meat, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Feel free to adjust the broth amount to your liking for a thicker or more soupy consistency.
- Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness but can be omitted if desired.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme give a wonderful aroma; dried herbs can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.4 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Protein: 23.8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
