Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable)

Vibrant turmeric and lemon soup with tender chicken and baby kale. Protein-packed comfort in every bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

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

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 3.5 oz baby kale

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
14 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Oils

15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in the baby kale, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or additional seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get 36 grams of protein per bowl without feeling like you're eating chicken straight from a container.
  • The turmeric and lemon actually make you feel like something healing is happening, and it genuinely is.
  • It comes together faster than ordering delivery, which means you'll actually make it on weeknights.
02 -
  • Don't let the turmeric intimidate you; it's supposed to turn everything golden, not brown, so medium heat matters more than you'd think.
  • The lemon really does need to go in at the very end because heat dulls its brightness, and that's what you're paying for here.
03 -
  • Cut your chicken and vegetables before you start cooking so you're not rushing with a hot pot waiting; mise en place is not fancy, it's just smart.
  • If your broth is already salty, go easy on the sea salt at first; you can always add more but you can't take it out.
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