Detoxifying Chicken Soup to Boost Immunity

This Detox Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup represents the ideal cure for flu season, packed with antioxidants that elevate immunity and keep you cozy all winter long!

As the new year is now underway, we are not only starting healthier eating patterns and trying to stay warm during this chilly weather, but we are also fighting through coughs, colds, and the dreaded flu season. This Detox Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup is an excellent solution for the cold and flu season, brimming with numerous nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immunity while keeping you warm and comfortable throughout winter! With ingredients such as garlic, chickpeas, turmeric, mushrooms, and dark leafy greens all simmered together in a savory hot broth, you’ll definitely be able to fend off those annoying colds while remaining healthy and on track with your goals!

Reasons to Love This

• Boosts immunity – this nourishing soup not only excels in aiding digestion and metabolism, but it also comes with anti-inflammatory advantages and antioxidants that enhance immunity.
• One-pot meal – this soup is prepared entirely in one pot, making it an effortless recipe to whip together anytime and excellent for meal prep.
• Cozy and comforting – a bowl of this soup is ideal for cold days, whether you’re seeking a reset after the holidays or simply feeling under the weather and in need of a lift!
• Perfect for meal prepping – I enjoy preparing a large batch in advance to sustain me throughout the week or freezing it in small portions, allowing me to grab some whenever I feel a cold approaching.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• chicken – I prefer shredded rotisserie chicken for its quick and flavorful ease, but chicken breasts or thighs work just as well. Leftover chicken (or turkey) is also great!
• vegetables – I utilized a mix of carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms, but feel free to include bell peppers, butternut squash, or chopped sweet potatoes.
• garlic – we’re using a generous amount in this recipe (yes, 10 garlic cloves!), but trust me, the taste is incredible. Garlic is an exceptional antioxidant that enhances immune function and overall wellness. No worries, the flavor softens while cooking, so it won’t be too overpowering!
• chicken stock – I opted for low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth or any stock you have on hand would work. Adjust the salt quantity if you’re using a regular broth.
• chickpeas – also referred to as garbanzo beans, these add extra protein and delightful texture to this soup.
• kale – this robust leafy green is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and other healthful nutrients. You can substitute fresh spinach for kale or add some fresh parsley or herbs.
• herbs and spices – includes a mix of turmeric, crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.

Steps to Prepare Detox Chicken Soup

This soup comes together in a mere 30 minutes through 3 simple steps! Here’s how I do it:

1. Sauté the veggies. In a large soup pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil on medium-high heat and sauté onion, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
2. Allow the soup to simmer. Stir in the chicken broth, bay leaves, turmeric, crushed red pepper, sea salt, pepper, and chickpeas, bringing 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 stock and simmer for about 25 minutes until cooked through. Remove the breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the chicken to the pot.
3. Add kale and serve! Add the chopped kale and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. You might want to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!

How to Personalize this Chicken Soup

• Make it gluten-free – this soup is naturally gluten-free!
• Incorporate more veggies – this soup is already very nutritious, but you can add additional vegetables like zucchini, green beans, cauliflower, or broccoli florets.
• Add some spice – introduce more red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Increase protein – this soup is already protein-rich due to the chicken and chickpeas, but feel free to add some white beans or extra chickpeas.
• Reduce sodium – opt for unsalted chicken broth for a lower-sodium version and lightly season the soup at the end.

Storing and Preparing

To Store:  This detox chicken soup will keep in your refrigerator in a sealed, airtight container for up to 5 days. You can easily reheat this soup in the microwave or on the stove for a quick, tasty meal. I enjoy making this soup as part of my weekly meal prep!

To Freeze:  If you plan to freeze this soup, let it cool completely before storing it in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator. Warm it on the stovetop or reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Additional Soup Recipes

I hope you all relish this Detox Immune-Enhancing Chicken Soup! If you enjoy it as much as we do, please leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!