This cold-fighting chicken soup recipe is a delicious, hearty soup packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant-rich ingredients that work together to help soothe you when you’re feeling under the weather! The rich broth is made with ginger, turmeric, garlic, and onions and is loaded with chicken, potatoes, and veggies in every bite! 

Ready in less than 45 minutes, this soup is the nourishing boost you need! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to make! For more immune-boosting recipes, check out our Fire Cider Recipe, Homemade Elderberry Syrup and Apple Ginger Tea next!

bowl of of chicken soup with a spoon in bowl showing shredded chicken and broth. slice of bread next to bowl along with fresh herbs and a cloth

Here is my go-to when am sick:

I like my chicken soup super hearty with lots of chicken, a deeply flavorful broth, and a ton of veggies! I actually prefer potatoes over noodles in my soup for two reasons: potatoes are a bit more nutritious (full of antioxidants and fiber) and more filling. Of course, you can follow the recipe and use potatoes or add noodles if you like!

two bowls of chicken soup with a spoon in bowl showing shredded chicken and broth. slice of bread next to bowl along with fresh herbs and a cloth

Best Chicken Soup Recipe!

This easy chicken soup recipe is packed with incredibly nourishing ingredients. Not only is this soup ultra-soothing, but it tastes phenomenal! It is the perfect chicken soup for a cold and is loaded with tender chicken in every bite with a rich, savory broth made with ginger and turmeric, and is filled with tender potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions!

Whether you are feeling under the weather or simply want a cozy, nourishing meal, this chicken soup is just what you need! 

This Chicken Soup Recipe Is:

  • Naturally Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free & Whole30 Compliant! 
  • Nutritious: packed with ginger, turmeric, carrots, & celery!
  • Hearty & Filling
  • Super Flavorful
  • Easy To Make
ingredients needed. shown are 2 raw chicken breast on a plate, 3 carrots, a whole onion, a whole shallot, a whole garlic bulb, ginger, ground turmeric, rosemary, thyme, potatoes, 3 celery stalks, and a box of chicken broth

What You Need To Make This Chicken Soup Recipe

  • Chicken Breast: The chicken cooks directly in the broth and is then shredded to your liking. Because it is cooked in the broth it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the delicious flavors of the broth.
  • Ginger: Ginger is one of my favorite foods to eat to help boost my immune system! It contains powerful medicinal properties that help fight off disease, clear congestion, and soothe a sore throat.
  • Turmeric: Turmeric is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties! To get the benefits of turmeric, it has to be ingested with black pepper. You can use fresh or ground turmeric in this recipe!
  • Garlic: Not only does garlic help provide delicious flavor to the broth, but it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce pain and sore joints, and anti-bacterial properties that work to kill germs! I use pretty much a whole head of garlic, which means lots of flavor and lots of cold-fighting nutrients!
  • Carrots, Onion, Celery: These veggies are the base for the soup! You can also add more veggies if you like, towards the end of the cooking process. (Some people like to add broccoli and peas to their soup. If you’d like to do so, add the broccoli or peas five minutes before the soup is done.)
  • Broth: You can use organic store-bought broth or make your own broth from scratch. I use organic chicken broth and vegetable broth.
  • Potatoes: My favorite!! I use fingerling potatoes in my soup, mostly because they are already small and ready to simply throw in the soup. You can also use red potatoes or gold potatoes.
  • Fresh & Dried Herbs: The fresh & dried herbs work in conjunction with the ginger, turmeric, and garlic to make a wonderfully flavored broth. You’ll need rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, dried oregano, and Herbs de Provence (or Italian Seasoning).
image steps to show how to make this chicken soup recipe.

How To Easily Make Homemade Chicken Soup

Making this homemade chicken soup recipe is super easy!

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on each side. Over medium heat, add cooking oil to a dutch oven pot or large pot and lightly brown the chicken, cooking it for 1-2 minutes on each side. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the ginger and garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the celery, carrots, turmeric powder (or raw turmeric), dried oregano, Herbs de Provence (or Italian Seasoning). Mix well and saute for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken breast to the pot, along with the fresh herbs, bay leaf, potatoes, broth, water, salt, and pepper. (Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth). Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes.
  4. Then, reduce the heat to medium low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork and chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Remove the bay leaf and stems from the thyme. Remove the chicken and place on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken. Then, place the shredded chicken back into the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, if desired. Feel free to add more broth, if desired.
  6. Enjoy!

How To Store Leftover Chicken Soup?

Store any remaining soup in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you are ready to enjoy the soup, you can warm it in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.

Common Questions:

Is chicken soup actually good for a cold?

Chicken soup is hydrating and packed with nutrients that support the immune system and aid in recovery. Additionally, its steam can clear nasal passages and ease congestion, while its warm broth may soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. While not a cure, chicken soup provides comfort and relief from cold symptoms, making it a valuable addition to cold-fighting efforts.

What is the healthiest soup to eat when sick?

When sick, soups that are rich in nutrients and easy to digest are generally considered the healthiest options. Chicken soup is a popular choice due to its hydrating properties, essential nutrients, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Vegetable-based soups, such as minestrone or kale veggie soup, are also nutritious options, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system. Additionally, clear broth soups like miso soup or bone broth can be soothing and provide hydration.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this soup?

Certainly. You can use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast to make this soup. If you decide to use cooked chicken, then start the soup by prepping the veggies and adding the cooked chicken in with the broth to simmer.

bowl of chicken soup

I hope you enjoy this easy homemade chicken soup recipe

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Cold Fighting Remedies: 

Cold-Fighting Chicken Soup Recipe

This cold-fighting chicken soup is a delicious, hearty soup packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant-rich ingredients that work together to help soothe you when you're feeling under the weather! The rich broth is made with ginger, turmeric, garlic, and onions and is loaded with chicken, potatoes, and veggies in every bite!
4.75 from 52 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American, Healthy Options
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 358kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 lb potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces/cubes (use red, fingerling, or gold potatoes)
  • 8 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 3 large carrots, cut into dials
  • 3 celery stalk, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder (or 2 tbsp fresh turmeric, minced)
  • 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Herbs de Provence (or Italian Seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly group pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

  • Lightly Brown The Chicken
    Season the chicken with salt and pepper on each side. Over medium heat, add cooking oil to a dutch oven pot or large pot and lightly brown the chicken, cooking it for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.
  • Saute The Veggies
    In the same pot, add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the ginger and garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Next, add the celery, carrots, turmeric powder (or raw turmeric), dried oregano, Herbs de Provence (or Italian Seasoning). Mix well and saute for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add The Remaining Ingredients And Bring To A Boil
    Add the chicken breast to the pot, along with the fresh herbs, bay leaf, potatoes, broth, water, salt, and pepper. (Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth). Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes.
  • Cook Uncovered For 30 Minutes
    Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork and the chicken is fully cooked.
  • Shred The Chicken
    Remove the bay leaf and stems from the thyme. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken. Then, place the shredded chicken back into the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, if desired. Feel free to add more broth, if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 358kcal
Nutrition Facts For Good Food Baddie Chicken Soup Recipe: Servings 6, Calories 358, Total Fat 10.5g, Cholesterol 101mg, Sodium 1154mg, Total Carbohydrate 21.9g, Protein 41.6g

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35 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Yes! I have been looking for a great chicken soup recipe and this one really makes me happy! It is so hearty and warming!

      1. 3 stars
        Hi! I love the idea of this! I was wondering if this recipe could be adapted to make in a Slow Cooker? I am sick and the slow cooker would make it so much easier for me to cook it?

        1. Hi! You certainly can make this in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add about a cup or two more of broth if needed to cover all ingredients.

  2. 5 stars
    Delicious. I have never put turmeric or ginger in chicken soup. I will never NOT put them in chicken soup. I did omit the potatoes, put in extra carrots and celery, and put a whole, organic chicken in the pot. I love this soup. The spices are perfect (I only had the dried version). Thanks Capri. Next time, I might use some fresh parsley too. My cold feels a little better after only a couple hours.

  3. 4 stars
    I counted 19 ingredients, it took me two trips to different groceries to get all the ingredients, and I spent upwards of $60. I did buy a whole organic chicken which cost $12.81, at Sprouts; the box of combined ginger and turmeric roots was $6.99, and I have many left over; and, I paid $2.49/box for rosemary, thyme, and whatever the other herbs were. I had to cook the chicken in a crock pot and all the herbs and veggies in another 5-gallon pot, then, shred the chicken and add it to the veggies. It was delicious, and it did help my head cold. For me, though, I did need to feel pretty good in order to go out to get anything, then spend the 2-3 hours putting it together. (Disclaimer: I cook very simple meats and veggies, rarely ever do I use so many ingredients at once, so my experience may be atypical). Oh, yes, it took 4 medium-sized and two large-sized storage containers to refrigerate it. After eating one bowl, I took a long nap!

  4. 5 stars
    This is definitely one of the best chicken soup that I have ever made! It’s so delicious and nourish.
    I will definitely make it again!!

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