High-Protein Lemon & Turmeric Chicken Soup

This High-Protein Lemon & Turmeric Chicken Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with protein and plenty of fiber-rich veggies like sweet potato and kale. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger provide depth of flavor. This cozy soup is make-ahead-friendly, and you can easily double the recipe, making it the ideal gift for a friend as part of a meal train. Read on for our best tips and tricks below for making this delicious soup.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• Bone-in chicken thighs deepen the flavor of store-bought broth. There is no need to remove the skin before you cook them, but be sure to remove and discard the skin before adding the shredded chicken back into the soup. You can use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative.
• Be sure to use chicken thighs that are the same size (about 6 ounces each) so that they cook evenly and are done cooking at the same time as the sweet potatoes.
• We add the lemon juice at the end of cooking for the biggest flavor impact and to prevent the kale from discoloring. If you are making the soup ahead and want to add additional lemon juice, add it just before serving to prevent the kale from turning brown. 

Nutrition Notes

• Chicken is a complete source of protein, as it delivers the nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce. These vital amino acids make up the proteins in our body and are crucial for many functions like muscle growth, immune function, nutrient absorption and cell repair. 
• Dark leafy greens are an excellent addition to any recipe, and kale is no exception. Kale contains polyphenols and terpenoids and other phytonutrients, which are compounds produced by plants that reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease. 
• Sweet potatoes get their orange color from beta carotene, but color is not all this nutrient brings. Beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body, helps support heart and eye health. 
• Turmeric and ginger are a powerful duo known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, has been shown to interrupt the development and growth of tumors. Meanwhile, ginger may help prevent digestive cancers. Both ingredients are also known to help relieve pain.