Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This warming bowl features tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant broth infused with ground turmeric, cumin, and fresh ginger. The golden hue comes from generous amounts of anti-inflammatory turmeric, while fresh lemon juice brightens the rich flavors. Baby spinach adds vibrant color and extra nutrients in the final minutes of cooking.

Ready in just 50 minutes with minimal prep work, this soup delivers restaurant-quality results with simple techniques. The spices bloom briefly in hot oil before adding the broth, creating deep, layered flavors. Serve garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

Updated on Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:15:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of golden Turmeric Chicken Soup garnished with fresh parsley, featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach leaves.  Pin it
A steaming bowl of golden Turmeric Chicken Soup garnished with fresh parsley, featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach leaves. | smartyskitchen.com

This golden, fragrant, and nourishing Turmeric Chicken Soup is a soothing dish perfect for wellness and comfort. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, it combines aromatic spices with tender poultry and fresh greens for a vibrant, healthful meal that fits seamlessly into a Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free lifestyle.

A steaming bowl of golden Turmeric Chicken Soup garnished with fresh parsley, featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach leaves.  Pin it
A steaming bowl of golden Turmeric Chicken Soup garnished with fresh parsley, featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach leaves. | smartyskitchen.com

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Using a large soup pot and a chef's knife, you can easily prepare this dish for 4 servings. The combination of garlic, ginger, and lemon juice provides a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the earthy notes of ground turmeric and cumin.

Ingredients

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  • 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 piece (2.5 cm / 1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 150 g (1 cup) baby spinach or kale leaves
  • 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1½ tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2
Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Stir in the turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom.
Step 4
Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just opaque.
Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Step 6
Add the spinach (or kale) and simmer for 5 more minutes until wilted and chicken is cooked through.
Step 7
Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra depth of flavor, add a cinnamon stick or star anise to the broth during the simmering process; simply remove it before serving. Remember to always check broth and spice labels for any hidden allergens or gluten to keep the dish safe for everyone.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a heartier version of this soup, you can add 100 g (½ cup) of cooked rice or quinoa in the final simmering stage. To create a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use a high-quality vegetable broth.

Serviervorschläge

This golden soup is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs. Pair it with warm crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Turmeric Chicken Soup simmers in a rustic pot, its bright yellow broth dotted with carrots, celery, and aromatic ginger.  Pin it
Turmeric Chicken Soup simmers in a rustic pot, its bright yellow broth dotted with carrots, celery, and aromatic ginger. | smartyskitchen.com

With only 230 calories and a generous 29g of protein per serving, this Turmeric Chicken Soup is a light yet filling option for any night of the week. Enjoy the healing power of golden spices in this simple, one-pot dish.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

What makes this soup golden?

The vibrant golden color comes from ground turmeric, which also provides natural anti-inflammatory properties and earthy flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors actually deepen when made ahead. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Is this soup spicy?

Not necessarily. The red pepper flakes are optional, and the other spices provide warmth without significant heat.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, warm naan, or a simple green salad complement this soup beautifully. For a complete meal, add cooked rice or quinoa.

Can I use a whole chicken instead?

You can use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor, then remove and shred the meat before serving. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

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Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup

Golden, aromatic chicken soup with turmeric and healing spices

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots Global Fusion

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Poultry

01 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 medium carrots, sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
06 1 cup baby spinach or kale leaves

Broth & Liquids

01 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 Juice of 1 lemon

Spices & Seasonings

01 1.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
02 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
03 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 0.5 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
05 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Herbs

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the aromatic base: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 02

Bloom the aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Activate the spices: Add turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to bloom the spices and release their essential oils.

Step 04

Sear the chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the surface is opaque.

Step 05

Build the broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes.

Step 06

Finish with greens: Add spinach or kale and simmer for 5 more minutes until wilted and chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 07

Balance the flavors: Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Chopping board
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens. Cross-contamination possible with broth and spice processing

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 230
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 29 g

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