This Detox Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup is an ideal solution for flu season, packed with antioxidants that strengthen immunity and keep you toasty throughout the winter!
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As the new year kicks off, we’re not only adopting healthier eating practices and striving to stay warm in the chilly weather, but we’re also fighting off coughs, colds, and the notorious flu season. This Detox Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup is the ultimate solution for cold and flu season, brimming with abundant nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance your immunity while keeping you snug and warm all winter! With ingredients like garlic, chickpeas, turmeric, mushrooms, and dark leafy greens simmering together in a delicious hot broth, you’re bound to chase away those annoying colds while remaining healthy and committed to your goals!
Why You’ll Adore This
- Boosts immunity – this hearty soup not only promotes digestion and metabolism but also offers added anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that enhance immunity.
- Single pot recipe – this soup is prepared all in one pot, making it a straightforward recipe you can whip up any time, and it’s excellent for meal prepping.
- Comforting – a bowl of this soup is ideal for chilly weather, whether you need a reset after the holidays or simply feel under the weather and require a boost!
- Ideal for meal prep – I prefer to prepare a large batch in advance to last me most of the week or just freeze in small portions to grab whenever I sense a cold approaching.
Here’s What You’ll Require
- chicken – I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken for its quick and flavorful nature, but you can also opt for chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover chicken (or turkey) works wonderfully too!
- veggies – I utilized a mix of carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms, but feel free to incorporate bell peppers, butternut squash, or even diced sweet potatoes.
- garlic – we’re using PLENTY in this recipe (yes, 10 garlic cloves!), but trust me, it absolutely tastes fantastic. Garlic is a potent antioxidant that bolsters immune function and overall well-being. Don’t worry, the garlic definitely softens in flavor while cooking, so don’t anticipate the taste to be overly strong!
- chicken stock – I used low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth will also suffice or any stocks you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the salt amount if you’re not using low-sodium broth.
- chickpeas – also known as garbanzo beans, these contribute extra protein and a delightful texture to this soup.
- kale – this robust leafy green is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients beneficial for your health. Fresh spinach can be substituted for kale, and you can even add fresh parsley or other herbs.
- herbs and spices – a mix of turmeric, crushed red pepper, sea salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
How to Prepare Detox Chicken Soup
The fantastic aspect of this soup is that it comes together in just 30 minutes with 3 easy steps! Here’s how I do it:
- Sauté the vegetables. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Allow the soup to simmer. Stir in the chicken stock, bay leaves, turmeric, crushed red pepper, sea salt, pepper, and chickpeas, bringing everything to a boil. Mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. If using boneless skinless chicken breasts, add them with the chicken stock and let simmer for about 25 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the chicken to the pot.
- Add kale and serve! Add the chopped kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. You could also garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
How to Personalize this Chicken Soup
- Make it gluten-free – fortunately, this soup is already naturally gluten-free!
- Add additional veggies – this soup is already extremely nutritious, but feel free to include more vegetables like zucchini, green beans, cauliflower, or broccoli florets.
- Make it spicy – add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Increase protein – this soup is already high in protein due to the chicken and chickpeas, but you could also include some white beans or more chickpeas.
- Reduce sodium – for a low-sodium option, use unsalted chicken broth and season the soup lightly at the end.
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Preparing and Storing
To Store: This detox chicken soup will keep in your refrigerator in a sealed, airtight container for up to 5 days. You can quickly reheat this soup in the microwave or on the stovetop for a convenient, tasty meal. I love making this soup for my weekly meal prep!
To Freeze: If you plan to freeze this soup, allow it to cool completely first and then store it in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the soup fully thaw in the fridge. Warm it in a pot on the stove or reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Additional Soup Recipes
I hope you all savor this Detox Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup! If you love this as much as we do, please leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat and sauté onion, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes.
Mix in the chicken stock, bay leaves, turmeric, crushed red pepper, salt, and chickpeas; bringing to a boil. Add in cooked shredded chicken, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Add kale, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves, serve, and enjoy!
Serving: 1/8th of recipe | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.6g | Protein: 20.4g | Fat: 9.7g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Cholesterol: 46.1mg | Sodium: 712.8mg | Fiber: 4.1g | Sugar: 2.5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**Detoxifying Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup**
Chicken soup has long been valued as a soothing remedy for colds and flu, but its advantages go beyond just comfort. When made with specific ingredients, chicken soup can act as a robust supporter of immune function and assist with detoxification. This piece examines how a thoughtfully prepared chicken soup can boost immunity and facilitate detoxification, providing a natural method of sustaining health.
**The Immunity-Enhancing Benefits of Chicken Soup**
1. **Packed with Nutrients**: Chicken soup is filled with vital nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, alongside minerals like zinc and magnesium. These nutrients play a key role in maintaining a strong immune system.
2. **Amino Acids**: The chicken in the soup delivers amino acids like cysteine, which can thin mucus in the lungs, easing expulsion. This helps alleviate respiratory symptoms and supports immune function.
3. **Anti-Inflammatory Qualities**: Elements like garlic and onions contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. These contribute to reducing inflammation in the body, which could otherwise undermine the immune system.
4. **Hydration**: The broth in chicken soup helps maintain hydration in the body, essential for optimal bodily functions, including the immune response. Adequate hydration ensures efficient nutrient transport and toxin elimination.
**Detoxification Perks**
1. **Support for the Liver**: Components like garlic and turmeric are recognized for their liver-supporting characteristics. The liver is a major detox organ, and enhancing its function is vital for effective detoxification.
2. **Rich in Antioxidants**: Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and leafy greens added to chicken soup are abundant in antioxidants. These compounds aid in neutralizing free radicals and diminishing oxidative stress, assisting in detoxification.
3. **Gut Health**: A healthy gut is crucial for detoxification. The gelatin derived from chicken bones in homemade broth supports gut health by fostering a healthy gut lining and stable microbiome.
4. **Herbs and Spices**: Incorporating herbs like parsley and spices such as ginger can amplify the detoxifying benefits of chicken soup. These components assist in digestion and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
**Recipe for Detoxifying Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup**
*Ingredients*:
– 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken breasts
– 2 onions, diced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 cups of water or chicken broth
*Instructions*:
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, ginger, and turmeric.
2. Pour in water or chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
3. Decrease the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.
4. Take out the chicken, shred the meat, and add it back into the pot.
5. Stir in parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot and relish the nourishing advantages.
In summary, immune-enhancing chicken soup transcends being just a comfort food. When made with the right ingredients, it transforms into a potent ally for enhancing immunity and facilitating detoxification. Integrating this soup into your diet can foster health and well-being, particularly during periods when the immune system requires extra reinforcement.
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