Turmeric Chicken Anti-Inflammatory Soup

🍲 Turmeric Chicken Anti-Inflammatory Soup (Mediterranean Style)

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes

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🧂 Ingredients

🐔 For the Soup Base

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)

• 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric (or 1 tbsp freshly grated turmeric root)

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and warmth)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🍋 For the Broth & Add-ins

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade bone broth)

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional for Mediterranean protein boost)

• 1 cup baby spinach or kale

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

• 1 tsp grated lemon zest

• Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for light heat

🌿 For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, dill, or mint

• Extra drizzle of olive oil

• Lemon wedges

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🔥 Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear on both sides until lightly golden (about 3–4 minutes per side).

3. Remove and set aside — they’ll finish cooking in the soup.

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2. Build the Aromatic Base

1. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.

2. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add ginger, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds to release the aromas.

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3. Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

2. Return the chicken to the pot.

3. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

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4. Shred & Add Greens

1. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the soup.

2. Stir in chickpeas (if using) and greens (spinach or kale).

3. Simmer 5 more minutes until greens are wilted.

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5. Finish with Mediterranean Brightness

1. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley.

2. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or turmeric as needed.

3. Drizzle with extra olive oil for richness and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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🥄 To Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with:

• A drizzle of olive oil

• Fresh herbs

• A squeeze of lemon

Serve with whole-grain pita or a side of herbed brown rice for a heartier meal.

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💪 Health & Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~320 kcal

• Protein: 32 g

• Carbs: 18 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Fiber: 4 g

Anti-Inflammatory Highlights:
✅ Turmeric – curcumin fights inflammation
✅ Olive oil – heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
✅ Garlic & ginger – immune support
✅ Lemon & herbs – detoxifying and alkalizing