When we’re in need of something deeply comforting that warms us right down to our bones, nothing quite compares to a good bowl of soup. We believe in taking classic comforts and giving them a vibrant, nourishing twist. That’s precisely the inspiration behind our Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Rice Soup. This is more than just food; it’s a golden bowl of goodness, carefully crafted to soothe the soul, support your wellbeing, and offer a truly delightful taste experience.

We have carefully balanced the bright zest of lemon with the pungent heat of ginger and the wonderful, earthy notes of turmeric. The result is a soup that is not only bursting with flavour but also brimming with goodness. It’s our go-to recipe for a cold evening, for when we’re feeling a bit run down, or simply whenever we fancy a wholesome meal that leaves us feeling fantastic. Shall we begin?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Beautiful Blend of Flavours: We love how the sharp lemon, warming ginger, and mellow turmeric come together to create a taste that is both intricate and wonderfully satisfying.
• Full of Goodness: This recipe is a highlight among healing soup recipes. Every single ingredient has been selected for its beneficial qualities, from the antioxidant power of garlic to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.
• Wonderfully Simple to Prepare: Although it tastes complex, this is a very straightforward one-pot meal. It’s ideal for a midweek dinner when you crave genuine comfort without any hassle.
• The Epitome of Comfort Food: A warm bowl of chicken and rice soup is always comforting. Our version elevates that feeling, delivering a sense of nourishment and care in every single bite.
• Easily Customisable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add extra vegetables, use a different type of rice, or tweak the spices to match your preferences or what you have available.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh turmeric, grated (or 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g)
• 2 litres high-quality chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
• 150g uncooked basmati or long-grain white rice
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3-4 tbsp)
• A generous handful of fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Our Nourishing Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Rice Soup

Putting together this gorgeous, golden soup is both straightforward and satisfying. Just follow our simple method, and a pot of pure comfort will be yours in less than an hour.

1. Build the Flavour Base: Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over a medium flame. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and gently fry for 5–7 minutes until they have softened and the onion is clear. This initial step is key to developing a deep flavour.
2. Awaken the Spices: Tip in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric. Stir continuously for around a minute until you can smell their wonderful aromas. This technique, called blooming, really brings out the best in the spices by releasing their natural oils.
3. Cook the Chicken: Gently place the chicken breasts into the pot and cover them with the chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil before lowering the heat to a soft simmer. Pop the lid on and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked with no pink remaining.
4. Prepare the Chicken: Lift the cooked chicken breasts out of the pot and onto a board. With two forks, pull the meat apart into smaller, shredded pieces. Put this to one side for now.
5. Add the Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the simmering broth that’s still in the pot. Allow it to cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the grains are perfectly tender. The rice will soak up the delicious, spiced broth as it simmers.
6. Bring It All Together: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir through the chopped dill or parsley. Mix everything together well.
7. Final Seasoning: Have a taste of the soup and season it well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the hot Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Rice Soup into bowls immediately, perhaps with an extra wedge of lemon on the side.

The Powerhouse Ingredients: What Makes This a Healing Soup?

This isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a functional dish crafted to support your general wellbeing. We’ve meticulously selected ingredients renowned for their health-giving properties, making this the perfect immune boosting dinner.

Turmeric and Ginger: The Anti-Inflammatory Duo

Turmeric and ginger truly are the heroes of this recipe. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is celebrated for its significant anti-inflammatory qualities. As highlighted by extensive research, including studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, curcumin can aid in reducing inflammation in the body. Similarly, ginger contains gingerol, which offers comparable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. This pair works in harmony to combat everyday ailments, creating a genuinely effective anti-inflammatory chicken soup.

Lemon and Garlic: Your Immune System’s Best Friends

There’s a good reason we finish our soup with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, a crucial antioxidant that helps to fortify the immune system. Garlic, used for centuries in traditional remedies, contains allicin and other compounds known to enhance immune function. This zesty, powerful duo helps your body to stay resilient.

Chicken and Broth: The Comforting Classics

Chicken soup is the quintessential meal for when you’re feeling under the weather, and rightly so. The warm broth is hydrating and can ease a sore throat, while the chicken offers protein that is gentle on the digestive system, aiding your body’s recovery. Using a high-quality bone broth also provides collagen and essential minerals. It’s the nourishing, comforting foundation that makes this soup a truly restorative meal.

Tips for the Perfect Bowl

While we think this recipe is delightful just as it is, here are some suggestions for personalising it to your liking.

• Rice Variations: We chose basmati rice for its lovely, fluffy texture, but feel free to use brown rice for additional fibre or even wild rice for a chewier, nuttier taste. Remember to alter the cooking time, as these grains take longer to become tender.
• Add More Greens: For an extra nutritional boost, try stirring in a couple of large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking. Let them wilt down into the hot soup.
• Make it Creamy: If you fancy a richer, more luxurious texture, add 100ml of full-fat coconut milk at the same time as the lemon juice. Its creaminess is a wonderful match for the ginger and turmeric.
• For a Different Flavour Profile: If you’re fond of wholesome chicken meals that are bursting with flavour, you might also adore our Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken With Spinach Sun Dried Tomatoes.

Storing and Reheating Your Soup

This soup keeps wonderfully and is an excellent choice for meal prepping. Here’s our advice for storing it correctly.

In the Refrigerator

Let the soup cool down to room temperature before you place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Note that the rice will continue to soak up liquid as it sits, which will thicken the soup. When you reheat it, you might like to add a little more broth or water to get it back to your preferred consistency.

Can You Freeze This Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Rice Soup?

Yes, you certainly can! For the best possible texture upon thawing, we suggest freezing the soup base *without* the rice. Cooked rice can become overly soft and lose its texture after being frozen. Simply prepare the recipe up to step 4, allow the chicken and broth mixture to cool completely, then freeze it in a suitable container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw the base, heat it to a simmer, and then cook the rice in it as per the recipe. This makes it a fantastic detox soup to keep on hand for those busy weeks.

FAQ

A Bowl of Golden Goodness Awaits

Our Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Rice Soup is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a bright, comforting dish that provides nourishment for both body and mind. It’s easy enough for a weeknight supper, yet special enough to make you feel properly looked after. This is a recipe we come back to time and again, particularly when we need a little pick-me-up.

So, the next time you feel the need for a restorative and comforting meal, we do hope you’ll give this recipe a go. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy incredible flavour and wellness in one satisfying bowl. For another simple and tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy, take a look at our Juicy Chicken Cheddar Burger Recipe A Lighter Alternative. We would love to hear how you get on, so please leave a comment below!

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Searching for a comforting, healthy meal? Our Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Rice Soup is the ideal choice. This simple, one-pot recipe is full of anti-inflammatory goodness to nourish and soothe. Get the recipe for this wonderful healing soup today!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh turmeric, grated (or 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g)
• 2 litres high-quality chicken broth
• 150g uncooked basmati or long-grain white rice
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• A generous handful of fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and turmeric and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
4. Add the uncooked rice to the broth in the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh herbs.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then ladle into bowls and serve immediately.