Winter Chicken Soup
When Winter sets in there is nothing better than a hot bowl of soup! I could have soup everyday during this season and never grow tired of it. My cravings for a bowl of this love really kick in around the New Year. Today I’m sharing my Winter Chicken Soup.
Am I the only one that feels like a can of biscuits ready to bust after the holidays from all of the cookies, 2nd’s & 3rd’s and eggnog? If you’re like me, it feels good to eat something simple and healthy. This Winter Chicken Soup is a delicious way to warm up and get back on track after the New Year. Because this recipe calls for a rotisserie chicken, the prep/cooking time is reduced and you just cant beat that flavor!
What else makes this soup amazing
There is a plethora of germs around just waiting to take us down this time of year. Because what we eat can definitely help boost our immune system, I have included some clean and comforting ingredients to help fight off those nasty colds and flu.
- Ginger: anti-inflammatory, may reduce muscle pain and soreness
- Garlic: combats sickness (colds, flu)
- Carrots: good source of beta carotene
- Celery: high levels of vitamin K, good amounts of vitamin A, vitamins B-2 and B-6, and vitamin C
- Turmeric: potent anti-inflammatory, may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis
- Kale: can help boost well being and contains fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin K, good source vitamin C and iron.
Make it your own
If there are any vegetables here that you or your family aren’t fond of, feel free to switch them out for what you do like! Use any other seasonal veggies like radishes instead of onions, potatoes in place of cauliflower…you get the idea.
What to know before making this Bowl of Love
Yes, one bunch of kale is A LOT. I promise you it will cook down and fit in your pot just fine. The trick is to add a handful at a time stirring between each addition.
The purple cabbage will color your broth (and chicken if there’s any leftovers). You can substitute regular cabbage to avoid this if purple chicken isn’t your thing.
Noodles or a side of buttered bread would be a great addition to this soup.
You can also make my Migas the next morning to help keep that cold weather chill away.
Winter Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken meat pulled off in bite sized pieces
- 1 bunch kale rinsed, chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- ½ red onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 crowns broccoli chopped
- ¼ head cauliflower chopped
- ¼ head purple cabbage chopped
- 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- lemon juice
- 32 oz. chicken broth
Instructions
- In a large stock pot (I use a cast iron dutch oven), add olive oil, red onion, garlic and ginger. Saute for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and add turmeric. Once this comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium, add lemon juice and begin adding vegetables. Note: when adding kale, do so a handful at a time and stir, it will cook down. Simmer until vegetables are cooked through.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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