easy quick healing chicken soup

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healing chicken soup

Nothing seems to be more healing and good for your body and soul than healing chicken soup! This recipe will have you eating in no time!

Soup with Chicken

Ben and I were in China for almost a month in 2017, and one of the take aways from that trip was how focused the Chinese are on using foods and other ingredients, herbs, spices and more, as healing sources.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Also impacting me was that the fact that the medicinal benefits of food are clearly passed down from generation to generation. Food is not just simply a matter of filling your belly, but it’s an integral aspect of life that affects mind, body, spirit and soul. And, that’s what’s inspired this easy quick healing chicken soup.

Another thing about this soup, IF you want to infuse it with even more nutrients then make your own bone broth from chicken feet. Yes, you heard me correctly. Chicken feet! Check out my recipe! 

How to Make Chicken Soup

There is no doubt that foods have healing properties. Just watch some of the Dr. Oz’s episodes. Or Google a simple phrase like ‘healing properties of food’ and you’ll get millions of results. When you choose your ingredients and make recipes, if you’re just a tad bit more mindful of adding something that can be better for you then that is an added bonus.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Spice in Chicken Soup

Or look at your recipe and think of ways to substitute healthier ingredients for ingredients that might not be as healthy for you, including the spices. Many times the difference in taste is minimal, and the value in nutrition is greatly improved. So, it’s a no brainer trade off.

And, if you’re looking for gluten free chicken soup recipes, then click here. 

Traditional Chicken Soup

This is a pretty powerful statement. “Diet has an influence on most medical conditions,” says Andrew Weil, M.D., holistic health expert, author, and founder of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, who routinely asks patients to clean up their diets as part of treatment.

“For example, people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes often improve when following an anti-inflammatory diet,” he says. This program is heavy in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.

Best Chicken Soup Recipe

This article goes on to talk more about the healing properties of food, but the essential takeaway is this:  “Even the least alternative of doctors will tell you that food is very powerful when it comes to your health. And it doesn’t take an elimination diet or sweeping changes to make a big difference. Food isn’t a miracle that can replace modern medicine, but even small improvements to your current diet—such as cutting back on processed foods—can make you feel better right away and put you on a path to a lifetime of good health. Talk to a nutritionist or dietitian if you are considering making changes to your diet.”

Easy Vegetable Chicken Soup

Mindfulness is a buzzword. You hear it often in today’s world. I even hear it frequently in my yoga practice. Be mindful. Think about what you need to think about. Mindfulness is the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

So when you’re cooking, ordering from a menu, grabbing something on the go, inclined to pick up processed foods or simply putting something into your mouth, be sure that most all of the time, it’s going to be something that has healing properties and is good for you. Choose ingredients that heal your mind, body, soul and spirit.

Easy Chicken Soup Recipe

Now be even more mindful and check out some of my chicken soup recipes! Plus, at the end of this recipe, you’ll see links for spices and the nutritional yeast. It’s a great investment to have if you’re making a lot of my recipes because these are staples for flavor and health.

healing chicken soup

easy quick healing chicken soup

Yield: About 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ to 3 lbs. chicken, thighs, breasts, bone in, skin on
  • 2 Tbl. Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 Tbl. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp. curry powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
  • 2 cups potatoes, medium dice
  • 2 cups carrots, medium dice
  • 2 cups celery, with leaves, medium dice
  • 2 cups sweet onions, medium dice
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger, can substitute 3 TBL. freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tsp. sea salt, adjust per your sodium taste

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven pot (about 7 quarts), put 7-8 cups of water and the salt. Rinse the chicken. Put in the pot. Water should cover the chicken by about 3 inches. Add the spice mixture (nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, pepper, turmeric, curry, and cumin). Cover and bring to boil for about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook another 45 plus minutes (adding water if needed) until chicken is done and is easily separating from the bone. Remove chicken to a bowl and let it cool.
  2. Add the garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and ginger. Cover and let the vegetables cook about 20 minuets (on medium low) as the chicken is cooling.
  3. Once the chicken is cool and can be handled, debone meat (set aside) and discard the bones and skin Shred the chicken meat and add to the soup.
  4. Cook on medium low another 20-30 minutes to let all flavors come together.

Notes

You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces.

Freshly grated ginger is perfect to substitute for dried ginger.

I sometimes put the spice mixture in with the chicken as it simmers and cooks. Sometimes I do it after the chicken has cooked and been deboned.

Your sharing is GOLDEN! Thank you!

Your sharing and comments help me stay in business! Share a photo if you make the recipe #allyskitchen Thank you! xo Ally

healing chicken soup

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94 Comments

  1. Patsy Poelma says:

    I am calling this Ally food Sunday. I made the Dead Sea granola first…so good and just made the chicken soup( my hubby said omg this is REALLY good and tonight he wants the granola toast. OMG it’s all so delicious. Love your recipes, love your show, your new home gorgeous with all the windows. Think I’ll have another bowl of soup. The cutest thing is you and Pop dancing!

    1. Patsy!!! Do you know what I’m doing now! GLOWING! Thank you sooooooooooo much for taking time from your busy schedule to let me know all the great things you’ve made! All are faves of ours, too, luv! And, I LOVE being Ally Food Sunday!! Now let’s make it MTWTHF!! Big hugs and love! xoxx ally

  2. Lynne Fleming says:

    I cannot wait to make this this weekend. I’m very excited about it. It looks so warm and comforting.

    1. Lynne! I’m so glad you’re trying it! It is, indeed, quite comforting. My bird’s in the oven roasting now…I’ll get those bones, simmer, make broth and have a big pot too! xoxx ally

  3. The best chicken soup EVER , a stable in my house since I saw you making it !
    Thank you!

    1. Dear Fabienne! It’s so wonderful to start the morning with such a positive and uplifting message. THANK YOU!! xoxx ally

  4. This quick healing soup is so delicious Ally. I did not have potatoes so I substituted with Ditalini pasta. Also added some chopped baby collard greens from my container garden.

    1. Gosh, Bev, I love those substitutions. Especially the collard greens, baby and sweet and tender, from you container garden! I so appreciate you sharing w/me! xoxx ally

  5. Hi Ally.
    I love this soup. I was wondering if it would be as tasty if I used boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs?
    Thanks.

    1. Hi, Lynn! Thank you!!! Yes, it’s pretty awesome. I don’t think you’ll get the depth of flavor using boneless skinless cuts. It’s the bones and skin that you simmer/cook that digs deep into the complexity and Nutrional value of the broth. If you choose to do the skinless/boneless, then think about ramping up the quality of the bone broth you use. Check the Kettle & Fire at my website. There’s a discount that does help. Hope this helps! xoxx ally

      https://allyskitchen.com/shop-the-brands-i-love/

  6. Christina Shea says:

    This soup is SERIOUSLY amazing! It feels more than homemade, it feels like a warm hug! It was my first recipe I made of Ally’s and it won’t be the last. Thank you, Ally! You’re the best!

    1. Christina!!! You’ve made my day! Gosh darn it, THANK YOU, luv! Yes, this is one amazing soup. I make it ALL the time. Used my leftover turkey carcass/meat to make it after Thanksgiving. Soooooooooooooooooo healthy, plus it can be frozen. Please please come hang out and try more recipes, darlin! Thank you! xoxx

  7. Girone Christine says:

    Ally….You got us started, now hooked on the Healing Chicken Soup. We have it every day either for lunch or dinner plus I made a big pot of it for our kids and grandkids and they loved it too. I’d call it Healing/Comforting Chicken Soup.

    1. Girone!!!! You’ve made my day! Thank you thank you! We do the same. I keep it in the refrig most all the time. We’ve even eaten it for breakfast! Thanks so much for renaming it, my luv! xoxx

  8. I will never use another chicken soup recipe again!

    1. Laura!! I’m giving you a big ol’ BEAR HUG!! Thank you. I’m the same way, and making another pot this week. Sooooo good to have in the refrig! xoxx

  9. Colleen Labat says:

    This is hands down the best chicken soup I’ve ever made, especially when I used Cooks Venture chicken and Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth! I’ve stocked my freezer with this so I have a healing soup to enjoy while recovering from an upcoming knee replacement. Thanks again for all the delicious recipes you share with us!

    1. Ohhhhh, Colleeen! You’ve made my day! I think, too, you’re exactly right! And, certainly w/your upcoming knee replacement, the bone broth is going to be great to sip as well as have the healing chicken soup to warm your belly. Good luck, luv. I know you’ll do great! xoxx ally

  10. Faythe S Merkert says:

    Great recipe…love your posts.

    1. Faythe! What a kind and considerate comment! Thank you! Don’t be a stranger, luv! xoxx ally

  11. Kristiann says:

    This soup is amazing!! It is the best chicken soup I have ever made! Such balanced flavor!! Never thought “Hmm, this could use something.” Thank you Momma Ally for this deliciousness.

    1. Kristiann!!! You sure do know how to make Mama Ally feel like a meeeeeelion bucks!! Thank you, luv! I think it’s got that comfy chicken soup feel, but w/some pretty deep nutrients that just make it pop! Thanks for taking time to leave me this kind and special comment. I’m very appreciative! xoxx Mama Ally

  12. Anonymous says:

    Can you freeze this soup? We LOVE this soup. My husband asked me to make it 2 nights in a row! I am not known for my cooking but he said this was the best soup he has ever tasted! I would like to always have some on hand in the freezer. Thank you!

    1. Ohhhhhhhhhhh, please give your hubby a big ol’ Ally hug! YES! You can certainly freeze and it’s even better when you thaw and heat! Thank you thank you, and here’s to restorative chicken soup! oxx ally

  13. Frankie Florio says:

    Hi
    Can I add whole turmeric (cut in half) to the soup together with the dried turmeric?

    Let me know your thoughts 🙂

    1. Hi, Frankie! It depends upon how large that turmeric root piece is. You don’t want to ‘overdo’ it. I think a small piece will work. Oh, big yum coming, luv! Thanks for stopping by and don’t be a stranger! xox ally

  14. Frankie Florio says:

    Hi
    Can I add whole turmeric (cut in half) to the soup together with the dried turmeric?

    1. Hi, Frankie! A small piece will work. Let me know how it tastes w/the extra and the fresh! xo ally

  15. Could you add egg noodles near the end, or would it make the soup too thick? If you did use the noodles would you just add in the last 10 mins or cook separately? It’s on my stove now and the smell is glorious!!!

    1. Oh, Val! I hope I’m not too late! I’d add noodles at the end. No need to cook separately. They’ll get tender in the hot broth/soup. PLease let me know what you did and how it turned out, luv! xoxx ally

  16. Arla Kennedy says:

    I have made this soup 5 times since first learning about it…when Bobby and his fam were visiting you in Co over the winter holidays! It is literally THE BEST CHICKEN SOUP HANDS DOWN EVER CREATED!!!! Thank you Momma Ally for this amazing healing soup!! It’s the ONLY soup in my house that’s made in large batch and there is NEVER any to throw out!! Its consumed to completion. Love your recipes, IG, and you in general! So happy I found you here!!! 🙏❤️

    1. ARLA!!!! OMG! You’ve made my week, not month, no year!!! Thank you thank you! Isn’t it wonderful when you find a recipe that you KNOW works! It’s the go to for us, too. Honestly, I feel immediate better after eating a bowl of it. I’m soooooooooooooooooo happy you’re here. We’re going to have a lot of fun, Arla! Sending love and hugs!! xoxx ally

  17. So good!!!! I have had a head cold for over 3 weeks with no relief until I made a batch of this soup. No kidding, one day later I felt sooo much better. I literally ate the whole pot myself for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next 5 days. Will make again and again.

    1. Paula!! OMG, you’ve made my Sunday, luv! Thank you, and I’m soooooooooooooooooo glad you’re feeling better! I’ve done the same thing, eaten the entire pot! You’re an angel, and I love having you here! Don’t be a stranger xoxx ally

  18. Renee Gaudreau says:

    Thank you so much for the delicious soup recipe. I’ve made it twice and love it! I did substitute I cup of chopped turnips and added just one cup of chopped Yukon gold potatoes for even more nutrients :))
    Enjoy your cooking and follow you on Instagram!
    Warmly,
    Renee

    1. Dearest Renee! I love the addition of turnips. Of course, I love turnip greens and turnips. Great way to ramp up nutrients. Thank you so so much, and I’m so glad you’re here. Hope to see LOTS more of you!! xoxx ally

      1. reneevgaudreau says:

        Same to you Momma Ally 😊

  19. Ann Denicker says:

    Ally,
    Now I can properly comment on your soup since I made it!! Where do I start? The tumeric and curry made not so tradtional chicken soup into a bowl of love. The flavors were truly marvelous and there is no going back to basic..lol Your passion for cooking has taught me not to be afraid to try spices are normally don’t use.
    We just had our first snowfall in NY. Can’t think of a better time to have your soup!
    Be well and keep em coming
    My Best
    Ann

    1. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, dear Ann! I want to just come and snuggle in w/y’all in your cozy NY home! Thank you thank you! And, yes, you’ve gotten the essence of much of my cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment w/spices and herbs. I sure hope to see more of you, my friend. Sending light, love and big hugs! xoxx ~ally

  20. I just made this soup tonite. It was amazing! I added cabbage as well as all the other vegetables and topped with fresh lemon at the end. The soup literally warmed my body. This is the first review I have ever written, but I wanted to let you know that you are inspirational and personable and so fun to watch. Thank you and keeping doing what you do!

    P.S. The story of your life change is so motivational!

    1. MARIANA!!! You’ve made my week, luv! Thank you! And, I absolutely love love your additions of cabbage and other vegetables then a spritz of citrus. Brilliant! You’re very kind to take time to let me know, and I feel honored that this is your first review. I made the cut! Thanks also for those thoughts about my life…oh, a lot of experiences have come down the pike in 72 years. The good, the bad, the ugly and the amazingly and brilliantly blessed. Hope to see more of you! xoxx ~ally

  21. Wished I had made this day before so could skim off some of the fat. Otherwise, great flavors!

    1. Thank you, Marie! Yes, next time you can surely do that. Thanks so much for being here! Don’t be a stranger! xoxx ~ally

  22. Leah Chytil says:

    I made this soup tonight after I saw Bobby making it at your house Ally. I have a head cold and oh my these flavours and the juicy chicken made me feel so much better ! My family loved it too. Will be making this again 🙂

    1. Leah!!! That’s soooooooooooooo good to hear! Yes, it’s got some yummy healing properties. A very different chicken soup! So glad it made you feel better. It does that for me, too. Don’t be a stranger. Love having you here! xox ~ally

  23. Chandra Patton says:

    Happy New Year, from Michigan! I decided to make your recipe after my son was feeling under the weather today. Wow! The flavors are amazing. We loved it! Thanks for sharing your gift for cooking!

    1. Chandra! That’s so wonderful to hear! Yes, it has some powerful healing properties. In fact, we’re having for lunch today. Our 3rd pot in a week! Don’t be a stranger, luv! xoxx ~ally

  24. Gail Connole says:

    Hi, Where do you purchase your pasture raised meat? Thank you!! Love your recipes and videos ❤️ Gail from Ohio

  25. I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! I made it in the instant pot. I didn’t have nutritional yeast so I omitted it. I will get some and include it next time, because I will definitely be making this again! Thank you for the recipe!

    1. Valerie! I know the aromas were intoxicating! Yes, get the nutritional yeast! It make subtle, albeit important health and nutrition, differences! xox ~a;;u

  26. I made this soup today for a light Sunday dinner… kind of a post holiday reset meal! It was delicious! We have lots of leftovers for lunches too. I was wondering if I could replace the potatoes with wild rice? If so, would I cook the rice separately and then add it to the soup? Thanks!

    1. Hi, Sandy! Yes, it is like a nutritional reset. Love that! Of course, you could replace with wild rice or if you like turnips or pasnips, those would be great. Sweet potatoes, too!

      Yes, cook the rice separately, then add. Let me know how you likeee. Thanks for stopping by and don’t be a stranger! oxx ~ally

  27. Was feeling under the weather, so I decided to make some of Momma Ally’s soup! I was skeptical about the nutritional yeast but boy was I wrong! This was absolutely delicious! I didn’t use water but I did swap for chicken broth (I believe Bobby and her made it the other day) and let me tell you this was absolutely amazing! Great flavor! I would absolutely make it again!!! 10/10 recommend!

    1. Oh, goodness, Leeann! You’ve made my day! Thank you! Yes, I love improving the nutrition of my food and the nutritional yeast is great. It’s a very vegan product. Hope to see more of you! 🥰🥰🥰 ally

  28. I have made chicken soup from scratch for years, but this is my new way to make it! Even my daughter who doesn’t like any kind of chicken soup loved it! It was so incredibly fresh, flavorful and comforting for a family battling a virus. It was delicious!! Thank you for an incredible soup recipe!! I will definitely be making this again and again!

    1. Serena!! What a beautiful message to start off 2022!!! Thank you, luv! And, I’m making more, too, because we’re all trying to stave off those gnarly sniffles and coughs of winter! Sweet wishes for a beautiful 2022! xoxx ally

  29. Making this now. Ginger is on ingredients list but I don’t see it in the directions. Is it added when the vegetables are added?

    1. Nancy! Yes luv! Thanks for your great editorial skills! I’ll correct! Hugs ally💕💞

  30. Looks delish and will try recipe. I don’t have nutritional yeast, is there a good alternative you suggest? Love watching you with Bobby/Flavcity and his family!

    1. Oh, thank you, Phung! Here are some ideas, but it would be worth your while to get the NY and have it in your pantry. So many of my recipes call for it. It’s a great nutritional boost. So for other alternatives, here are some ideas. Hope this helps! Here’s a link to my Amazon Storefront. I have ‘Pantry Special Items’ that I always try to keep in my stash! xoxx ally

      https://www.amazon.com/shop/allyskitchen

      Soy sauce or liquid aminos
      Dried porcini mushrooms
      White miso paste
      grated parmesan cheese
      ground cashews w/dried oregano, red chili flakes, garlic powder and salt

  31. Little confused on the recipe. Two different places in the recipe you say to add the spice mixture? Do you mix it up and add it twice? Also you say it’s very nutritional and super garlicky I don’t see garlic in the ingredient list?

    1. Sherry! Thanks so very much for your comment. I’ve edited the instructions. You put the spice mixture in when the chicken is cooking. And, I’d forgotten to add the garlic! Yikes. Thank you, luv! xoxx ~ally

  32. Looks delicious! I think I’m making that tonight. Great way to get back to more healthy foods after the holiday treats. I’m also going to check our your other soup recipes. Thank you for linking those!

    1. Michelle! Thank you thank you! I just polished off a bowl here for lunch. Better on day two. You can see all the congealing of the collagen from the bones. Super healthy! Yes, I have lots of soup recipes, luv! xoxx ~ally

  33. It looks delish but can I make this without the chicken? I’m vegetarian

    1. Hi, Hilda! Yes, I think you can. I’d use a good vegetable stock/broth. And, then use all the spices and I think you’re in business! xoxx~ally

      1. Do you think one can replace normal potatoes with sweet potatoes?
        Thanks!

        1. Hi, A! Absolutely! That would be equally as delicious! Please let me know how you likeeee! xoxx ~ally

  34. Can you make this in the pressure cooker or slow cooker?

    1. Hi, Denise…I think you could. It’s pretty quickly made just on the stove top. But you could try pressure cooking the chicken and going from there. xoxx ~ally

  35. Maya Wagle says:

    Thank you. Never thought of using nutritional yeast….a good probiotic.
    Dr. Weil has such good advice. Using turmeric in almost all Indian dishes is a must. Ever since the 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, turmeric has caught on in the USA. Here is an interesting statistic – India has 5x the population of the US ie 1.3B, while the US has 5x the number of Alzheimer’s patients.

    1. Hi, Maya…yes, the nutritional yeast is an easy addition to elevate the nutritional value of this soup. And, the turmeric is totally healthy. I think more folks are using turmeric. It’s a valuable spice in cooking as we know! xoxx ~ally

  36. Hi there!
    Is the Italian seasonings you use in this soup is powdered or grounded ?

  37. Shelley Scott says:

    Is nutritional yeast what you get in the little packets – Red Star Active Dry All-Natural Yeast OR Red Star Instant Yeast Quick-Rise. Thank you.

  38. Hi Ally love watching your videos … I make chicken soup but this is on another level! Do you you fresh or dried ginger in the soup?
    Love your energy 😁😘

    1. Hi, sweet Niki! Thank you, darlin! I love using fresh fresh ginger! Three tablespoons of the love! SEnding hugs! xoxx ~ally

  39. I cannot wait to try your delicious looking soup. Perfect for a cold New York day. Love watching you and the flavcity family
    Happy New Year

    1. Oh, gosh, Ann! I hope you’ll love it. It’s a different kind of chicken soup and so full of healing properties! Happy New Year to you and THANK YOU for your support! xoxx ~ally

  40. I am def. Trying this it looks so good! Instead of using water can I use broth or will that make it too salty??

    1. Hey, Sami! Thank you! Yes, it’s very healing and healthy. Best to make your own chicken stock w/the bone-in chicken. But, if you don’t want to, then I’d really suggest the Kettle & Fire chicken stock. Use the code ALLYSKITCHEN at checkout for 20% off. It’s really the most amazing bone broth on the market. I keep it in my pantry b/c it comes in handy for so many things! xoxx ~ally

      https://glnk.io/48z9/allyskitchen

  41. I’ve been making chicken soup for years ( decades🤪) never would have thought to add all these seasonings! I will definitely use this recipe this week. Looks so good!!!!

    1. Lisa!! I’m thrilled you like it! I have quite a few wonderful variations of chicken soup. I’m always looking for new ingredients that pack more nutritional value. You might want to check out some of these options! Sending love! xoxx ~ally

      https://allyskitchen.com/?s=chicken+soup

  42. Fabienne Luka says:

    Just saw you making that soup with Flavcity. I definitely want to make it! Thank you! Never thought of adding nutritional yeast and tumeric! Will make it so much healthier!

      1. I saw you making this on Instagram with Bobby. That soup looks delicious. Thanks r sharing the recipe

  43. Well never ever would have thought of nutritional yeast for chicken soup, but will try it. I have been using turmeric for years and never telling anyone. Love it

    1. Laura…I use nutritional yeast in so many things…just adds an extra burst of flavor and nutrition! Yes, turmeric is awesome, and, shhhhh, don’t tell! 🙂 xoxo ~ally

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