golden turmeric chicken soup

Featured in: Warm Soups & Stews

This golden turmeric chicken soup combines tender chicken, warming turmeric, ginger, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth. The fusion of spices and citrus brightens each spoonful, delivering both flavor and comfort. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, this dish is ideal for cozy evenings or when seeking a boost of nourishment. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for an uplifting finish, and serve with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal. Options offer simple swaps for a vegetarian twist or creamy texture, making it versatile and satisfying for many diets.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:32:00 GMT
Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup steaming in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon.  Save to Pinterest
Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup steaming in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon. | velvetthyme.com

A vibrant, nourishing soup featuring chicken, turmeric, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for boosting immunity and warming the soul.

I first made this Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup when everyone in my family needed a comforting meal. The rich color and aroma fill the kitchen, and each spoonful brings warmth and freshness.

Ingredients

  • Poultry: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced
  • Vegetables: 1 large onion, finely chopped, 2 carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated, 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • Broth & Liquids: 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Juice of 1 lemon
  • Spices & Seasoning: 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste), ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add aromatics:
Add garlic and ginger. Cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Toast spices:
Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring, to toast the spices.
Cook chicken:
Add diced chicken and stir to coat with spices. Cook for 2–3 minutes until chicken is just opaque.
Simmer soup:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Finish with greens and lemon:
Add spinach and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until spinach wilts.
Season and serve:
Taste and adjust salt as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Vibrant Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup, loaded with spices and wholesome vegetables for a cozy meal.  Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup, loaded with spices and wholesome vegetables for a cozy meal. | velvetthyme.com

This soup is always requested by my kids during cold weather, and even my partner asks for seconds because of its flavor and wholesome vibe.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with warm crusty bread or a scoop of rice on the side for a heartier meal.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to one month.

Variations

Try swapping chicken for chickpeas and using vegetable broth for a simple vegetarian spin. Add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess.

Hearty Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup brimming with tender chicken and aromatic flavors, perfect for chilly nights. Save to Pinterest
Hearty Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup brimming with tender chicken and aromatic flavors, perfect for chilly nights. | velvetthyme.com

With every spoonful, this Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup brings warmth and nourishment to your table. Dress it up with fresh herbs and lemon for a vibrant finish.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and remain tender in the broth.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a flavorful plant-based option.

How does turmeric affect the flavor?

Turmeric brings a warm, earthy note and vibrant color, pairing well with ginger and savory spices.

What garnishes are recommended?

Fresh cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lemon add freshness and a bright finish to each serving.

Can the soup be stored for later?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; gently reheat before serving.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as gluten-free broth is used, the dish remains naturally gluten- and dairy-free.

golden turmeric chicken soup

Comforting bowl with chicken, turmeric, ginger, and aromatic vegetables. Naturally nourishing and easy to prepare.

Prep time
15 min
Time for cooking
35 min
Total process time
50 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Warm Soups & Stews

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Fusion

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details No dairy, Free from gluten

List of ingredients

Poultry

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 14 ounces), diced

Vegetables

01 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
06 1 cup baby spinach, optional

Broth & Liquids

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

Spices & Seasoning

01 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
02 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
04 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
06 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, optional

Garnish

01 Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges

How to make it

Step 01

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Sprinkle in ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release their fragrance.

Step 04

Add Chicken: Mix in the diced chicken breasts, ensuring they are coated with the spice mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes until their color changes to opaque.

Step 05

Simmer Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Step 06

Finish Soup: Stir in baby spinach and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning: Taste, then incorporate additional salt if desired.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges.

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Review chicken broth and spice blends for hidden gluten or additives if sensitive.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 230
  • Fat content: 6 g
  • Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein amount: 29 g