Infused with zesty lemon, warming ginger, and golden turmeric, this nourishing chicken soup comes together quickly. Perfect comfort food for busy weeknights.
6 cups chicken broth (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 medium lemons)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cups pre-cooked rice (white or brown, prepared ahead)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Don’t walk away or garlic may burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat with small bubbles breaking at the surface.
Add the shredded chicken and pre-cooked rice to the broth. Stir gently to combine.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Use fresh ginger and garlic instead of powdered forms for maximum flavor. I keep fresh ginger in the freezer and grate it directly into the pot.
Have rice pre-cooked before starting the soup. Pre-cooked rice prevents mushiness.
Use homemade chicken broth for enhanced depth, or good-quality store-bought works well too.
Add vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition and color.