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Ginger Chicken Soup

Ginger Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl! Whip it up in minutes, freeze it for quick meals, and relish the comfort all season long.

spooning soup out of a bowl

 

As the weather cools, there’s nothing like a steaming bowl of soup to warm the soul. This Ginger Chicken Soup is your ticket to culinary coziness. 

What sets this recipe apart is its sheet simplicity and adaptability. You can customize it with your family’s favorite veggies, from vibrant carrots to crisp bell peppers. No matter what you add, it’s the fresh ginger that elevates this dish to a realm of comfort and warmth that defies description.

Pair it with Rosemary Focaccia bread, hot from the oven. Or, add some texture by topping it with Homemade Croutons. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a soul-soothing lunch, this soup will become your go-to winter comfort food.

ginger chicken soup ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Chicken Soup

  • Simplicity and Speed. In our fast-paced lives, this Ginger Chicken Soup recipe is a lifesaver. You can whip up this heartwarming bowl of comfort in a matter of minutes. So, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknight dinners when you crave something warm and homemade without the fuss.
  • Customize It. This soup is a canvas for your creativity. You can add your family’s favorite vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, or peas. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that adapts to your taste and satisfies everyone.
  • It’ll Warm You Up. The star of the show here is ginger, and it’s not just for flavor. Ginger adds a unique, soothing warmth to the soup that transcends mere taste. Each spoonful wraps you in a comforting embrace, making this recipe perfect for chasing away winter chills or soothing a weary soul.
  • Freezer-Friendly. Picture this: You open your freezer, and there, neatly stored, are single-serving containers of this delicious soup. You can stock your freezer with a stash of hearty, homemade meals ready to rescue you on those hectic days when cooking feels impossible.
scooping ginger chicken soup out of pot

What You’ll Need

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

  • Olive Oil
  • Onion – Any yellow or white onion will work in this recipe.
  • Celery
  • Ginger – Fresh ginger has the best flavor in this application, so skip on the dried or paste kinds.
  • Garlic – I like to use fresh cloves for the most flavor, but you could use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
  • Turmeric
  • Chicken Broth – Most chicken broth is already pretty salty. Go for the low-sodium broths to keep the saltiness in check. 
  • Chicken Breasts – You could use chicken thighs for a richer soup, but remember it will add fat and calories. 
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds a salty flavor to the soup, but I still like to use the low-sodium kind. 
  • Black Pepper – If you have a pepper mill, use that for the punchiest flavor. However, ground black pepper will still complement the recipe.
  • Cooked Jasmine Rice – It doesn’t matter if you want to use white or brown Jasmine rice. You could also substitute any long-grained rice.
  • Cilantro & Green Onions (Optional garnish)
looking down on a bowl of ginger chicken and rice soup

How To Make Ginger Chicken Soup

  1. Sauté Aromatics. Begin by heating olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and celery for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Add ginger, garlic, and turmeric, and continue cooking for a couple more minutes.
  2. Build Flavor Base. Pour in chicken broth, and add chicken breasts and soy sauce to the pot. Allow it to simmer and gently cook for 13-15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
  3. Combine and Warm: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add rice and black pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Then, garnish generously with green onions and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Rice Variations: Try different types of rice like jasmine, basmati, or brown rice for a unique twist. Each brings its own texture and flavor to the dish.
  • Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for some spicy warmth.
  • Make It Creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving. It adds richness and a hint of indulgence.
  • Ginger Intensity: Adjust the amount of ginger to suit your taste. If you’re suffering from a case of the sniffles, don’t be afraid to add more for an extra zing.
  • Protein Swap: While chicken is the star here, you can explore other proteins like tofu or shrimp for a seafood twist. Or go vegetarian with beans or tofu for a meatless version.
  • Broth Choices: Experiment with broths like chicken, vegetable, or bone broth for a more robust flavor profile.
  • Toppings Galore: Get creative with toppings! Besides green onions and cilantro, consider adding a dollop of sour cream. Try adding a sprinkle of grated cheese or a handful of crunchy croutons for added texture and flavor.
a bowl full of ginger chicken and rice soup
How long does it take to make Ginger Chicken Soup?

This soup comes together quickly in about 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Can I make this vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or add your favorite meatless protein source, like beans or chickpeas. You can use a vegetable broth instead of the chicken broth and it will be just as rich and comforting.

Can I freeze Ginger Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can. This soup freezes beautifully. Simply store it in airtight containers, and it will be ready to enjoy whenever you need a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

With a soup this delicious, it’s not hard to find a perfect pairing to round out dinner:

  • Butter Swim Biscuits – These biscuits capture an irresistible buttery flavor with barely any effort. I love to drop a big chunk of biscuit right into my serving of soup to scoop up a bit with every bite!
  • Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread – I don’t think I’m alone in believing the best part of a restaurant trip is the warm bread at the start. You can bring that joy home with this delicious copycat recipe.
  • Garlic Bread – This quick and simple classic will ensure that dinner satisfies everyone from the smallest to the largest of appetites.
a white bowl with ginger chicken soup topped with cilantro and green onions

More Comforting Soup Recipes

Yield: 8

Ginger Chicken Soup

cropped close up ginger chicken soup in a whie bowl

Ginger Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl! Whip it up in minutes, freeze it for quick meals, and relish the comfort all season long.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 - 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice

Garnish

  • Cilantro
  • Green Onions

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery and cook for 4-5 minutes until it just starts to soft. Add in the ginger, garlic and turmeric; cook for a couple more minutes.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and add in the chicken breasts and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 13-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and use 2 forks to shred.
  3. Add the chicken back to the soup, along with the rice and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through. Taste and add salt if necessary.
  4. Serve garnished with green onions and cilantro

Notes

Adapted from Kraft

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 275Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 72mgSodium 347mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 32g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

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Catalina

Wednesday 27th of December 2023

The warmth of ginger with tender chicken—it's like a hug in a bowl. I love that it's quick to make and perfect for freezing!

Beth

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

This soup looks amazing! I love ginger in soup, and I have some leftover Christmas turkey. I'm going to use that for this recipe.

Suzanne

Thursday 11th of October 2012

great flavorful soup, so glad things are cooling down so we can eat soup.

Alyssa

Thursday 11th of October 2012

I love the simplicity of this soup. And this would be perfect for curing a cold with all that ginger! I'm the same way, I have TONS of recipes saved that I need to get around to making!

Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet}

Wednesday 10th of October 2012

What a perfect soup for the weather and how it is changing. Love the combination you put together!!! Pinning now!

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