Nourishing Turmeric No-Noodle Chicken Soup (2024)

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by Robyn Conley Downs on Jan 21, 2015 (last updated Apr 12, 2023) 16 comments »

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5 stars (4 ratings)

This nourishing turmeric no-noodle chicken soup is simple, warming and delicious.

Nourishing Turmeric No-Noodle Chicken Soup (5)

Right now I’m craving something warm, nourishing, and hearty.

If you are too, this soup will fit the bill and will fill you up without weighing you down.

It’s perfect if you’re fighting a bit of a cold or feel like you need a little boost.

I like to make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for another day.

I’ve also found that my two-year-old loves sipping this soup out of a mug for dinner.

If you have a child who doesn’t like cooked greens, try serving their soup prior to adding the spinach or arugula.

This recipe lends itself well to variations, too.

Add more veggies if you like.

Sometimes I throw in a handful or two of frozen peas along with the spinach.

For a vegetarian option, swap 2 (15-oz) cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas for the chicken and swap the vegetable stock forchicken stock.

You can also add pre-cooked brown rice or pasta before serving if you prefer.

And, if you’re looking for a pressure cooker or crockpot version, check out this instant pot nourishing turmeric chicken soup recipe with slow cooker directions!

this recipe is…

Dairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreePaleoWhole30

Nourishing Turmeric No-Noodle Chicken Soup (6)

Nourishing Turmeric No-Noodle Chicken Soup

This nourishing turmeric no-noodle chicken soup is simple, warming, and delicious.

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Ingredients

  • 2 small or 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 3-4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 32 oz chicken stock
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or 6 thighs
  • 2.5 oz about two large handfuls spinach or arugula
  • A few sprigs of parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat.

  • Add the onion and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sautee for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

  • Add the turmeric and garlic. Stir to combine.

  • Add the carrots and celery. Sautee for an additional 3-5 minutes.

  • Add the chicken stock and chicken breasts or thighs. Cover, increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.

  • Uncover and remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred or dice into small pieces. Return the chicken to the pot.

  • Add the arugula or spinach, stirring to wilt.

  • Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onion.

Notes

This soup freezes well. Feel free to double the recipe so you’ll have leftovers for later.

Author: Robyn Conley Downs

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition disclaimer

Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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DinnersOne Pan/One PotDairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreePaleoWhole30

originally published on Jan 21, 2015 (last updated Apr 12, 2023)

16 comments Leave a comment »

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16 comments on “Nourishing Turmeric No-Noodle Chicken Soup”

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  1. Kaylin Elizabeth Berry Reply

    Scoured tons of chicken/turmeric soup recipes and this was the one I chose to make for dinner tonight – glad I did! Used a little extra garlic and added fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and barley at the end. Thanks so much for the great recipe!

    • Robyn Downs Reply

      Kaylin, so glad you found the recipe! I love the idea of adding garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper. Barley also sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  2. Sydney B Reply

    This was perfection!

    • Robyn Downs Reply

      Sydney, so glad you enjoyed! 🙂

  3. Danielle Reply

    How many servings is this? Thanks!

    • Robyn Downs Reply

      Danielle, this recipe yields 4-6 servings.

  4. Annie Reply

    Made this last night with homemade chicken stock, adding a bit more turmeric and a good amount of cayenne pepper. The soup tasted very good, but the chicken was pretty rubbery. I would cook the chicken for less time or pre-cook it then add to the broth for flavor.

    • Robyn Downs Reply

      Annie, glad you made this your own and sounds like great adjustments for next time!

  5. Ollie Reply

    Lovely. Thanks very much Robyn

    • Robyn Downs Reply

      So glad you enjoyed this one Ollie!

    • Coco Reply

      So easy. So delicious. My husband has a generic sort of cold/cough, so I wanted to make a tasty, aromatic chicken soup for him. And…I wanted a recipe with turmeric. This soup recipe was just perfect. I used thighs because they are more flavorful and husband likes dark meat better. Added fresh spinach at the end. He enjoyed thoroughly and a wonderful benefit…his nasty cough is tamed for a while!!

      • Robyn Downs Reply

        Coco, so happy to hear this one provided some nourishment to your husband. Hope he’s feeling better soon!

  6. Miles Kierson Reply

    I made this recipe after my wife, not feeling well, needed to eat ‘clean’ soup and couldn’t do it herself. That was two nights ago. We both ate only the soup for dinner for two nights. It was easy to make, very tasty, and it goes on my folder of recipe favorites. Which means,I’ll be making it often.

    • Robyn Downs Reply

      I’m so happy to hear this one was a hit for you and your wife, Miles, and how nice of you to make it for her when she wasn’t feeling well! Thanks so much for leaving a review!

  7. Sandi Reply

    It’s delicious. I added a squirt of lemon juice to my bowl right before eating because I love lemon. I got food poisoning a couple of days ago, and I had not felt like eating any solid food until now. The turmeric in this recipe, I think, is what adds the perfect flavor to my recovering tastebuds. I’m glad I stumbled across this soup recipe. Thank you!

    • Robyn Conley Downs Reply

      So wonderful to hear you enjoyed this soothing recipe, Sandi. Hope you’re feeling all better, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

Nourishing Turmeric No-Noodle Chicken Soup (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for turmeric in chicken noodle soup? ›

Best Substitute for Turmeric Flavor & Coloring: Saffron

But when you need to add earthy flavor to your dish and you don't have turmeric but do have saffron, add a pinch of saffron threads and bathe your recipe in luxury.

Is chicken noodle soup good for inflammation? ›

The famous chicken soup study from 2000 focused on its impact on inflammation. “The 2000 study basically found that chicken soup inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis, which is a fancy way of saying it helped temporarily decrease inflammation so those who were sick could temporarily breathe easier,” Pike said.

What effect does chicken soup have on blood pressure? ›

Japanese researchers have found that collagen proteins found in chicken may actually lower blood pressure. These collagens appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors. One caveat, though: it's the chicken, not the rest of the stuff in the soup, that may be medicinal.

Is there turmeric in Lipton chicken noodle soup? ›

Wheat Pasta, Salt, Sugars (maltodextrin), Chicken Fat, Hyddrolyzed Soy Protein, Corn Starch, Monosodium Glutamate, Dehydrated Cooked Chicken Powder, Onion Powder, Silicon Dioxide, Turmeric, Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate, Dried Parsley, Flavour, Yeast Extract, Spice Extract.

What spice is closest to turmeric? ›

Ground cumin, or cumin powder, is perfect if you don't have any turmeric on hand but still need that nutty warming taste and distinctive earthy color in your dish. It also pairs well with other spices like coriander seeds which means there are lots of possibilities when using cumin as an ingredient.

What cancels out turmeric taste? ›

Although turmeric can be used by itself, the best thought is always to use it as a background to other flavours: if you find you have added too much and created unwanted bitterness, counteract this with lime or lemon juice rather than with any sweetness.

What is the number one soup in the world? ›

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

Is it okay to eat chicken soup every day? ›

Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet. Other key ingredients in a chicken soup include onions, garlic and additional vegetables that add flavour and a healthy dose of important nutrients that is needed for a well-functioning immune system.

Why do doctors recommend chicken noodle soup? ›

Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.

Is rotisserie chicken bad for high blood pressure? ›

Salt is a mineral we all need, but in excess it can cause problems for people with high blood pressure who have to watch their sodium. It's a prominent ingredient in nearly every store-bought rotisserie chicken. “Salt provides flavors and it's also a critical component to the flavor of food products,” said Dr.

Why do I feel better after chicken soup? ›

As it does with turkey, the body uses tryptophan from chicken to make melatonin—which can help you rest—and serotonin, the chemical that signals your nerves and makes you feel happy and at ease. Both of these are reasons chicken soup is associated with comfort food: you literally feel a physiological sense of comfort.

What if I put too much turmeric in my soup? ›

Consider adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a splash of vinegar, or a dollop of yoghurt. These acidic elements can help brighten the flavours and offset the bitterness of turmeric. However, be mindful of the overall flavour profile of your dish and choose the acidic ingredient that complements it best.

What flavor balances turmeric? ›

Because it's so bitter, it usually wants to be balanced out by other big flavors and textures—think sharp, spicy curries enriched with plenty of ghee, butter, coconut oil, coconut milk, or other fat. You can also sometimes find fresh turmeric, which looks a lot like mini knobs of ginger.

What flavor does turmeric add to food? ›

Turmeric has a distinct flavor, which is one reason it is a primary ingredient for many curry powders. It has a potent peppery spice with an earthy, musky essence. In many cases, people combine turmeric with other milder or sweeter spices to balance out turmeric's boldness.

What vegetable is similar to turmeric? ›

4. Ginger. Ginger is a flowering plant from China that is closely related to other root vegetables like turmeric. It's loaded with antioxidants, including a specific compound called gingerol, which has been associated with a long list of health benefits ( 20 ).

What flavor does turmeric give? ›

Turmeric boasts an earthy essence with a touch of sweetness, accompanied by notes of ginger and pepper. Some people liken the taste of turmeric to that of mustard.

What spice balances out turmeric? ›

Balance with Sweetness

Sweet ingredients, like honey or sugar, can help counteract the bitterness of too much turmeric. Add small amounts of sweeteners until you achieve a more balanced flavour profile.

What seasoning has turmeric in it? ›

Today, ground turmeric lends its gorgeous golden hue and distinctive flavor to Indian curries, American mustard, dill pickles, and nondairy cheese recipes (such as Darshana Thacker Wendel's Vegan Cheesy Sauce). Turmeric is also an integral ingredient in chili powders and Middle Eastern spice blends.

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