Garlic & Ginger Chicken Soup
September 19, 2026 • 0 comments
When you're feeling under the weather, sometimes you just want a big bowl of something warm, hearty, and comforting. This chicken soup is packed with nourishing ingredients like pasture-raised chicken, garlic, ginger, vegetables, and homemade-style broth. It's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and makes a cold, stuffy day a little more bearable.
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 6-8
Directions
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pasture-raised chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1-2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Build the base: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the good stuff: Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
- Make the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, parsley, pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Return the chicken to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Finish it off: Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.
Optional Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Stir in a spoonful of raw cream for a richer, creamier soup.
- Add cooked rice, noodles, or potatoes to make it even heartier.
- Add extra fresh ginger or garlic if you're feeling particularly brave.
- Serve with a slice of sourdough for the full comfort-food experience.
Tip: This soup is also a great way to use leftover chicken. Make a big pot and keep some in the freezer for the next time someone in the house starts sniffling.
