A zesty, comforting bowl packed with immune-boosting ingredients and soul-soothing flavor—this golden-hued soup is the perfect blend of cozy and vibrant.
There’s something magical about this soup…
The moment the scent of lemon, fresh ginger, and earthy turmeric hits the air, you know something wholesome is simmering on the stove. For me, this soup began as a humble “get well soon” tradition—something I’d make whenever a cold crept in or a gray day needed brightening.
It’s cozy, nourishing, and beautifully golden—like sunshine in a bowl. The warmth of turmeric, the gentle zing of ginger, the brightness of lemon, and tender chunks of chicken make every bite healing and hearty. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort, whether you’re under the weather or simply craving something light yet satisfying.
🥕 Key Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
Chicken Breast
Lean and protein-rich, it adds satisfying heartiness to the soup. Shred it after cooking for tender bites in every spoonful.
Fresh Ginger
This powerhouse root gives the soup its zing and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Peel and slice thinly or grate for a stronger infusion.
Ground Turmeric
Not just for color! Turmeric gives the soup its gorgeous golden hue and adds subtle earthiness. It pairs perfectly with lemon and ginger.
Lemon Juice & Zest
Bright and citrusy, lemon lifts the flavor and adds freshness. Use both juice and zest for maximum aroma and depth.
Garlic
A savory backbone to the broth, garlic enhances flavor while offering added immune support.
Carrots & Celery
These classic soup veggies add sweetness and texture while rounding out the flavor.
Cooked White Rice
Adds body and comfort to the soup, making it filling without being heavy. Use leftover rice to save time!
Chicken Broth
The base of it all—choose a high-quality broth or homemade for the richest flavor.
🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—this step builds the base of the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken & Veggies
Add diced chicken breast, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir to coat in the spices and cook until the chicken is just starting to brown, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces with tongs and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Add Rice and Lemon
Stir in cooked rice, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 5 more minutes so the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, or a drizzle of olive oil.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup warm with:
- Toasted sourdough or crusty garlic bread
- A light arugula salad with vinaigrette
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley
- Optional: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess
❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The rice may absorb some broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezing
Let the soup cool completely. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without rice and add fresh-cooked rice when reheating.
Reheating Tip:
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring often. Add broth as needed for consistency.
💛 Final Thoughts
Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup is more than just a feel-good dish—it’s a bowl full of brightness, healing, and comfort. Whether you’re sipping it solo or serving it to loved ones, this soup is the ultimate act of nourishment.
Give it a try, and let it become your go-to when you’re craving something cozy with a twist of zing. Don’t forget to share your variations and leave a comment—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
Print
Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup is more than just a feel-good dish—it’s a bowl full of brightness, healing, and comfort.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup cooked white rice
Juice + zest of 1 lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook chicken & veggies: Add diced chicken, carrots, and celery. Stir well and cook for 5–6 minutes.
Simmer: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes.
Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return it to the pot.
Add rice & lemon: Stir in cooked rice, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer 5 more minutes. Season to taste.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or dill. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container. Add broth when reheating.
Freezer: Freeze (without rice if possible) up to 3 months. Add fresh rice when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 550mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
❓ FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the cooking step and add shredded chicken when you stir in the rice.
Can I substitute quinoa or brown rice?
Yes, both work well—just pre-cook before adding to the soup.
What if I don’t have turmeric?
You can leave it out, though you’ll miss the golden color and earthy undertone. A pinch of curry powder is a decent substitute.
Is this soup good for colds?
Yes! The combo of ginger, garlic, lemon, and broth is soothing and supportive for your immune system.