Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Print version)

Golden turmeric soup with tender chicken, bright lemon, and nutritious baby kale. Ready in 45 minutes.

# 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
14 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Oils

15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How to Make:

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; 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 on the surface.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in baby kale, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in 45 minutes flat, which means weeknight dinner without the guilt of takeout.
  • One pot means one cleanup—truly the dream on tired evenings.
  • The protein hits different when you're actually hungry, keeping you satisfied long after lunch ends.
  • Turmeric and lemon together taste like you're doing something good for your body.
02 -
  • Don't add the kale until the very end or it'll turn grey and bitter, losing both its nutrition and its beauty.
  • The lemon juice is non-negotiable—it's what transforms this from good to memorable, so don't skip it even if life is busy.
03 -
  • Use homemade or higher-quality broth if you can—it's the foundation of everything, and you'll taste the difference immediately.
  • Add the turmeric directly to the aromatics instead of the broth later; blooming it in the oil makes it taste warmer and more integrated.
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