Spicy Ginger Chicken Soup with Vegetables

It's not just a myth: Research reveals that chicken soup truly has the ability to fight off colds. This version takes it up a notch by adding wholesome vegetables and immune-boosting ginger, giving you a hearty soup that's both flavorful and beneficial. In under an hour, you'll have a classic chicken soup that's bursting with taste.

This ginger chicken soup is incredibly simple to prepare (a real lifesaver when you're feeling under the weather or pressed for time while taking care of others). The secret is using a popular time-saving hack: pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If you’ve got leftover frozen chicken, shredded chicken can be made in advance. Alternatively, you can poach boneless chicken breasts or thighs and add the cooked meat to the soup before blending everything together.

Whether you're fighting off a cold or just craving something comforting with a little kick (think of the spice as a warm embrace), this is the perfect hearty, soothing soup for you.

Ingredients for Ginger Chicken Soup

This ginger chicken soup features many classic soup staples, but with a few unique twists to make it stand out.

• Olive oil - essential for sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger, which create the aromatic base for the soup
• Red onion - adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish
• Garlic - infuses the broth and vegetables with rich flavor, while offering immune-boosting benefits
• Fresh grated ginger - this root vegetable introduces a surprising warmth and spice to the soup, known for supporting the immune system
• Low-sodium chicken broth - using low-sodium broth lets you control the seasoning of the soup as it simmers
• Parsnips - although not a typical ingredient in chicken soup, parsnips provide extra texture and substance
• Carrots - a classic addition to chicken soup, carrots are rich in immune-boosting antioxidants
• Celery - this vegetable adds crunch and body to the soup, making it more satisfying
• Turnip - a hearty root vegetable that pairs beautifully with parsnips, carrots, and ginger
• Kosher salt - enhances the flavor of both the chicken broth and vegetables
• Rotisserie chicken - the main protein in the soup, adding richness and heartiness. Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time
• Frozen peas - a convenient way to boost the soup's nutritional value with minimal effort
• Scallions - adds a mild, onion-like flavor to the soup
• Biscuits - optional, but perfect for dipping into a steaming bowl of soup

Ingredients for the ginger chicken soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

• 2 32-ounce containers low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 1 medium turnip, peeled and chopped (1½ cups)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 2- to 2½-pound rotisserie chicken

• ½ cup frozen peas

• 4 scallions, sliced

• 4 biscuits, store-bought or made from a mix (optional)

Instructions

Warm the oil and sauté the aromatics:

Place the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, then cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Add broth and cook vegetables:

Pour in the broth and add the parsnips, carrots, celery, turnip, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Add chicken and veggies:

Shred the chicken if necessary. Add the chicken, peas, and scallions to the saucepan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is warmed through.

Serve the soup in bowls

Scoop the soup into individual bowls and serve with biscuits, if desired.

Variations

• Incorporate a carb: Add some cooked rice, barley, small pasta, or noodles to the soup just before serving to make it more filling and hearty.
• Top with fresh herbs: Elevate the soup's flavor with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro.
• Boost the ginger flavor: Simmer the soup with a piece of peeled ginger to deepen the ginger essence in the broth.
• Swap the peas: Try frozen shelled edamame or lima beans as an alternative to, or in addition to, the frozen peas.
• Add some spice: For an extra kick, add a spoonful of hot sauce or chili oil to the finished bowl of soup.

How to Store Leftover Ginger Chicken Soup

As with most soups, ginger chicken soup is easy to store. Let it cool down first, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should remain fresh for about four to five days.

To freeze the soup, allow it to cool fully, then place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. It will keep for around three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

6 More Chicken Soup Recipes to Try

• Traditional Chicken Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
• Chicken Paprikash Soup
• Creamy Veggie Chicken Noodle Soup
• Miso Chicken Noodle Soup with Kimchi

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is ginger soup beneficial for health?

  Ginger is an excellent addition to soup! It not only gives a warm, mildly spicy kick, but it also offers numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, alleviating nausea, promoting heart health, supporting healthy cholesterol levels, and much more.

• Is it necessary to peel ginger before adding to soup?

  For optimal results, it's recommended to peel ginger before incorporating it into soup. However, if you prefer to leave the skin on, that's perfectly fine as well.

• Should ginger be stored in the refrigerator?

  Yes, ginger should be stored in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a month if kept in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

• Is it necessary to wash ginger before use?

  As with any fresh produce, ginger should be thoroughly washed in the sink before you begin cooking with it.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)