Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup

Introduction

This comforting Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup is loaded with healing ingredients to give your immune system a boost. Lemons, ginger, turmeric, and garlic all have anti-inflammatory properties and work together to provide a tasty, brothy soup. Chicken and rice make it hearty and satisfying. Enjoy this soup year-round, especially when feeling under the weather. It's easy to make in just one pot!

Benefits of Lemon

Lemons contain key nutrients and compounds that:

• Are high in vitamin C
• Contain antioxidants like limonoids
• Have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties
• Aid digestion
• Help alkalize the body

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger adds these health benefits:

• Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol
• Improves digestion
• Lowers blood sugar and heart disease risk
• Has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects

Ingredients

This simple soup comes together with just a few ingredients:

• Chicken - breast, thighs
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Lemons
• Turmeric
• Chicken broth
• Cooked rice

Seasonings

• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Recipe Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

Sauté diced onion, garlic, and ginger over medium heat until fragrant.

Simmer Chicken

Add chicken, lemon slices, turmeric, broth, salt and pepper. Simmer until chicken is cooked.

Shred Chicken

Remove chicken and shred or dice. Return to pot.

Add Rice

Stir in cooked rice until heated through.

Adjust Seasoning

Add lemon juice to taste. Season with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Customizations

Tailor this soup to your taste:

• Use vegetable or chicken broth
• Add carrots, celery, mushrooms
• Use quinoa or pasta instead of rice
• Top with avocado, green onion, chili oil
• Stir in cooked shrimp or tofu
• Mix in coconut milk or cream

Spice Variations

• Grated fresh turmeric
• Minced fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Crushed red pepper
• Curry powder
• Cayenne pepper

Health Benefits

This soup offers many potential health benefits including:

• Immune supporting ingredients
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Bone broth is healing
• Providing electrolytes when sick
• Easing nausea symptoms
• Soothing sore throats

Serving Tips

Enjoy this aromatic soup:

• As a starter soup
• With bread or rolls for dipping
• With a salad or fresh fruit
• Garnished with parsley, croutons, or cheese
• With ginger tea on the side

Storing Leftover Soup

Refrigerate leftover soup up to 4 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop until piping hot.

Storage Tips

• Let cool before transferring to airtight containers
• Avoid leaving at room temperature more than 2 hours
• Store chicken and broth separately
• Skim fat before reheating if needed

Common Questions

What's the best way to cook the chicken?

Simmering the chicken in the broth ensures moist, tender meat.

Can I use turmeric powder instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute about 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric for a 1 inch piece of fresh.

How long will the soup keep?

Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for 3-4 days.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the soup 1-2 days ahead and reheat before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free as written?

Yes, it does not contain any gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

With its dynamic blend of lemon, ginger and turmeric, this chicken rice soup is brimming with feel-good anti-inflammatory ingredients. Simmering chicken in an aromatic broth keeps it tender while infusing tons of bright flavor. Customize with your choice of vegetables, protein and spices for a nourishing soup perfect for warding off colds or simply enjoying on a cozy night in.