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hearty bowl of lemon ginger turmeric chicken soup with rice, carrots, and parsley

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
A soothing blend of vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients combining tender chicken, earthy turmeric, zesty ginger, and bright lemon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Healthy
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (or jasmine rice)
  • 1 Juice of lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 lemon wedges for serving
  • 1 inch additional fresh ginger, grated, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking the Soup

  • In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • Stir in the grated ginger and turmeric, allowing the spices to bloom for about 1 minute while stirring.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
  • Once the rice is tender, return the cooked chicken to the pot, add the lemon juice, and stir to combine. Allow everything to warm through for another 5-10 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, consider searing the chicken in batches rather than all at once. Adjust the amount of ginger and lemon based on your personal taste preference—more for a bolder zing. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. This soup can easily be refrigerated for up to three days and reheats beautifully.
Keyword Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Healthy Recipes, Lemon Ginger Turmeric Soup, Quick Dinner