Description
This is the best homemade chicken soup recipe, packed with wholesome and nourishing ingredients like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or just want a comforting, flavorful meal. The soup features tender chicken, pearl couscous, and vegetables simmered together in a savory broth, delivering a balanced and delicious bowl of health.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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)
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, stems removed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Grains and Additions
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- ⅔ cup frozen peas (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Place a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and vegetables soften.
- Add Spices: Stir in the fresh grated ginger and turmeric, sautéing for about 30 seconds to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Combine Broth and Chicken: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, then add the boneless skinless chicken, freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
- Add Couscous and Simmer: Stir in the pearl couscous, ensuring the chicken is submerged in broth by gently pushing it down if needed. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and couscous is tender.
- Shred Chicken and Finish Soup: Remove the chicken using a slotted spoon, shred it on a cutting board with two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir in frozen peas and add more broth if desired to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm and enjoy your nourishing chicken soup!
Notes
- This soup is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic, making it perfect for boosting your immune system.
- You can substitute ground turmeric if fresh turmeric is unavailable, but fresh offers the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of broth to make your soup thicker or more brothy, according to preference.
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference for leaner or richer flavor.
- Frozen peas add a lovely pop of color and sweetness, though they are optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 5.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.4 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Protein: 23.8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
