When you’re feeling under the weather or simply want to strengthen your immune system, nothing beats a bowl of immune-boosting chicken soup. This nourishing recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, garlic, and curry powder, which help support your body’s natural defenses. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and warming spices makes this soup not only delicious but also a natural remedy for colds and flu.
Whether you’re looking for a healing meal or just a comforting bowl of homemade soup, this recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in and discover how you can make this nutritious and flavorful immune-boosting chicken soup at home.
Why This Chicken Soup is Perfect for Your Immune System
✔️ Rich in Antioxidants – Ginger, garlic, and bok choy contain powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
✔️ Packed with Vitamins and Minerals – Carrots and celery provide essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
✔️ Protein-Powered – Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for immune health.
✔️ Gut-Healing Broth – Chicken stock is rich in collagen and amino acids that promote gut and joint health.
✔️ Warm and Comforting – The perfect remedy for cold, flu, or chilly days.
Ingredients for Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup
This immune-boosting chicken soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to nourish your body and enhance flavor.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Carrots, peeled and chopped | 2 |
| Celery ribs, sliced | 2 |
| Fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced | 3-inch piece |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Bok choy, chopped | 1 ½ cups (about 2 small heads) |
| Curry powder | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Chicken stock | 6 cups |
| Rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded | 1 pound |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
How to Make Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and slice the celery ribs.
- Peel and slice the fresh ginger into thin slivers.
- Mince the garlic.
- Chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces.
- Shred or chop the cooked rotisserie chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- Stir in the ginger slivers and minced garlic.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate the Bok Choy and Spices
- Add the chopped bok choy to the pot and stir well.
- Sprinkle the curry powder over the vegetables and mix to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the bok choy to wilt slightly.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Stock
- Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken.
- Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is heated through.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or water.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy its immune-boosting benefits!
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
🧄 Garlic
Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It helps reduce the severity of colds and flu.
🫚 Ginger
Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, helping to soothe sore throats and improve digestion.
🥕 Carrots
Carrots are packed with Vitamin A, essential for a strong immune system and healthy vision.
🍗 Chicken
Chicken is high in protein and zinc, which help repair tissues and strengthen immune function.
🥬 Bok Choy
Bok choy provides Vitamin C and folate, which help protect against infections.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer:
- Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
- Store in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredient choices.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
2. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.
3. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Simply boil raw chicken breasts in the broth for about 20 minutes, then shred and add it back to the soup.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except bok choy and chicken to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the bok choy and chicken in the last 30 minutes.
6. What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with whole-grain bread, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts: A Healing Bowl of Comfort
This immune-boosting chicken soup is more than just a meal—it’s a natural remedy for colds and a powerful immune booster. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect dish for staying healthy and warm.
Next time you’re craving something nourishing and delicious, try this flavorful homemade soup. Your immune system will thank you!
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Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup: A Nutritious and Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This immune-boosting chicken soup is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that help support your immune system while delivering incredible flavor. Loaded with garlic, ginger, and bok choy, this soup is the perfect natural remedy for colds, flu, or when you simply want a warm, comforting meal. With the richness of chicken stock and lean protein, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin slivers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups bok choy (about 2 small heads), chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound rotisserie chicken, cooked and either chopped or shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and slice the celery ribs.
- Peel and thinly slice the fresh ginger.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces.
- Shred or chop the cooked rotisserie chicken.
-
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
-
Add Aromatics
- Stir in the ginger slivers and minced garlic.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
-
Incorporate the Bok Choy and Spices
- Add the chopped bok choy to the pot and stir well.
- Sprinkle the curry powder over the vegetables and mix to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the bok choy to wilt slightly.
-
Add the Chicken Stock
- Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken.
- Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is heated through.
-
Final Adjustments
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock and replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- Spicier Option: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy