There’s something almost magical about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup. This Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup is my go-to recipe when the weather turns chilly or when someone in my household starts sniffling. It’s not just food; it’s medicine in a bowl, wrapped in delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Table of Contents
Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup Memories: A Family Tradition
My journey with chicken soup began in my grandmother’s kitchen. I can still picture her standing over a large pot, skimming foam from the surface of a gently bubbling broth. The kitchen windows would fog up, and the house would fill with an aroma that meant comfort was on its way.
When I caught my first cold after moving away from home, I called my grandmother in tears. Her remedy wasn’t pills or syrups but her chicken soup recipe, dictated over the phone as I frantically scribbled notes. That evening, as I sipped my somewhat less perfect but still delicious recreation of her soup, I felt better almost immediately.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe, adding ginger for its anti-inflammatory properties and fresh spinach for an extra nutritional boost. The result is this healing soup that has nursed countless friends and family members back to health.
Why This Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup Works Wonders
Quality Ingredients Matter
The foundation of this exceptional soup is organic chicken. Using organic chicken isn’t just about avoiding antibiotics or hormones; it’s about flavor. Organic chickens typically have a more robust, authentic taste that elevates your broth from good to sublime. The meat is tender, the fat is cleaner, and the resulting soup has a depth that simply can’t be achieved with conventional chicken.
Beautifully Simple
Despite its complex flavors, this soup relies on a surprisingly short list of ingredients. Each component serves a purpose, contributing to the final harmony of flavors without overwhelming the palate. This simplicity makes it perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather and don’t have the energy for elaborate cooking.
Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup: The Power Trio
What makes this chicken soup truly healing are the three star ingredients. Fresh ginger adds a warming, slightly spicy note that opens up the sinuses and soothes the throat. It’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds and digestive issues. Spinach brings a burst of vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, strengthening your immune system right when it needs it most. The bright hint of lemon adds vitamin C and cuts through the richness of the broth, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
A Complete, Balanced Meal
Unlike many soups that leave you reaching for a sandwich, this hearty creation is a complete meal in itself. It combines lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and a rainbow of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Every spoonful delivers balanced nutrition to fuel recovery.
Ingredients Table and Tips for Success
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing vegetables |
| Yellow onion | 1 large | Finely diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Fresh ginger | 2 tablespoons | Grated or finely minced |
| Celery | 2 stalks | Thinly sliced |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled and diced |
| Fresh thyme | 2 sprigs | Or 1 teaspoon dried |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Remove before serving |
| Organic chicken | 1.5 pounds | Breasts or thighs, bone-in preferred |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups | Homemade if possible |
| Small pasta | 8 ounces | Ditalini, orzo, or similar |
| Lemon | 1/2 | Juice only |
| Fresh spinach | 4 cups | Roughly chopped |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup | Chopped |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Spinach and Chicken Variations
Chicken Options: While I prefer bone-in chicken thighs for their flavor and juiciness, boneless chicken breasts work well if you’re looking for a leaner option. In a pinch, you can even use a store-bought rotisserie chicken – simply shred it and add it near the end of cooking.
Spinach Possibilities: Baby spinach wilts beautifully in this soup, but mature spinach leaves work well too—just remove any tough stems first. If spinach isn’t available, kale, Swiss chard, or even escarole can substitute nicely.
Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Preparation
- Build Your Flavor Base: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add The Aromatics: Toss in the diced celery and carrots, stirring to coat with oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
- Create The Broth: Place the chicken pieces into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover partially with a lid and cook for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Prepare The Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook The Pasta: While the chicken cools, bring the broth back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Add Lemon and Spinach: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped spinach, allowing the heat of the soup to wilt the greens. This preserves their vibrant color and nutrients. Add the fresh parsley.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.
Storage and Meal Prep
This spinach ginger chicken soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. One tip: if freezing, consider keeping the pasta separate, as it tends to absorb liquid and can become mushy upon thawing. Simply cook fresh pasta when reheating the soup.
Recipe Information
- Name: Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup
- Description: A nourishing, immune-boosting soup perfect for cold weather or fighting illness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 285 per serving
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Ladle for serving
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Vitamin A: 75% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
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