Healing & Homemade
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Cost per Serving: ~ $2.80
- Calories per Serving: 285 kcal
- Servings: 6
Let Me Tell You Why This Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup Is on Repeat at Our House
Every mom needs a go-to healing chicken soup — the kind that warms little bellies, soothes sniffly noses, and fills the kitchen with love. This lemon spinach ginger chicken soup is all that and more. It’s light yet comforting, packed with nutrients from organic chicken, winter spinach, and fresh herbs — and the ginger? Oh, it gives it that cozy zing you didn’t know your chicken soup needed.
This one’s a regular at our table during those chilly months when the kids are cycling through colds and I’m trying to keep dinner simple but soul-soothing. Trust me on this: Mom would be proud.
Why You’ll Love This Healing Chicken Soup
- It’s loaded with immune-boosting ingredients: garlic, ginger, lemon, and leafy greens.
- Perfect for colds, cozy nights, or anytime you need a hug in a bowl.
- Made for moms — no fancy steps or ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients Breakdown (Simple & Nourishing)
Here’s everything you’ll need — most of it’s pantry staples, with a few fresh touches:
Olive oil – I like using extra virgin olive oil, but any neutral oil works.
Onion – Use yellow, white, or red onion. Shallots or even leeks are a fine substitute.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are best, but garlic paste works too in a pinch.
Ginger – Freshly grated ginger adds that cozy warmth. You can use ground ginger if needed.
Celery & Carrots – Classic soup veggies! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or whatever’s in the fridge.
Thyme – Dried thyme for ease, or swap in fresh thyme if you have it.
Chicken broth – Use organic chicken stock, homemade chicken broth, or chicken bouillon cubes with water.
Chicken – I used bone-in, skin-on chicken breast for a richer flavor, but thighs or rotisserie chicken work too.
Salt & Pepper – Adjust to taste. I like sea salt for extra minerals.
Orzo pasta – You can use any small pasta, rice, or even quinoa to keep it gluten-free.
Lemon – Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference at the end.
Spinach – I used organic spinach, but kale or Swiss chard would be great alternatives.
Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright finish. Cilantro works too!
Bay leaves – For that subtle depth of flavor — just don’t forget to take them out before serving.
Fresh thyme (optional) – For a beautiful and fragrant garnish
How to Make Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup (My Way!)
Step 1. This cozy, healing soup starts with sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until everything’s soft and fragrant — golden edges are a good sign! I always throw in the celery and carrots too for extra heartiness, but you can totally skip them if you’re low on time or veggies.
TIP: If you’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken (which I love for flavor!), sear it skin-side down first until golden. That crispy skin adds so much richness and depth to the broth. Then remove it and continue with the aromatics.
Step 2. Pour in your chicken stock (or water + bouillon cubes), drop in those bay leaves, and nestle the chicken right in. Bring it all to a gentle simmer.
Step 3. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and super tender. Then take it out and shred it with two forks (or your fingers if it’s cool enough!).
Step 4. Stir in the orzo and let it simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, just until the pasta is tender. Taste the broth and add salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5. Once the pasta is ready, stir in the spinach, parsley, and lemon juice. The spinach wilts down quickly and the lemon brightens everything up — it’s my favorite part
Step 6. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh thyme if you’d like, and serve warm. So nourishing, so good.
Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken SoupTips (From One Busy Mom to Another)
- No time to prep? Chop the onion, carrots, and celery the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow.
- Use what you have. No orzo? Use rice, small pasta shapes, or even cooked lentils. Don’t stress — it’s a flexible soup!
- Short on time? You can absolutely use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just add it in when you stir in the spinach.
- Boost the healing power. Add a pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, or a dash of cayenne if you like a little kick.
- Make it freezer-friendly. If you’re planning to freeze this soup, skip the pasta and add it fresh when you reheat — that way it won’t get mushy.
- Kid tip! My kids like it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top or crushed crackers for crunch. Makes it fun and familiar.
- Double it. This soup is a lifesaver on busy weekdays. I often make a double batch and freeze half in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners when the day goes sideways.
Perfect Pairings (Quick & Easy Ideas for Busy Days)
You’ve got the soup simmering — now what to serve with it? Here are my favorite no-fuss sides that come together in minutes:
- Toasted bread or pita – Pop a few slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread in the toaster. Brush with olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder. Instant comfort.
- Simple green salad – I usually throw together some baby greens, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. That’s it! Light and refreshing.
- Crackers or grilled cheese for the kids – Because soup + something crunchy is always a hit. My girls love dipping their sandwiches.
- Boiled eggs on the side – Sounds odd, but it’s protein-packed and super fast. Especially if you’ve got a batch already cooked.
- Fruit slices – Apple or pear slices with a little peanut butter makes an easy sweet side. Perfect if you’re juggling lunchboxes too.
Craving more ginger magic? Check out this amazing Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup over on BoldBitesHub — loaded with carrots, celery, and that perfect ginger warmth. So good for chilly days or stuffy noses!
Looking for a vegetarian option? Try my Kale, Lentil & Sweet Potato Soup — it’s hearty, nourishing, and a family favorite on meatless nights.
FAQ – You Asked, Mama Answers
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftovers work great. Just add it at the end when you stir in the spinach and lemon juice.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
If you’re making this ahead or planning to freeze it, skip the pasta during cooking and add it fresh when reheating.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes! If you’re out of fresh ginger, about ½ teaspoon of ground ginger will do. The flavor is milder, but still cozy.
Will my kids like this soup?
Mine do! The flavors are mild and comforting. For picky eaters, I sometimes remove the spinach or blend a portion for younger kiddos.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Totally. Just swap the orzo for rice, quinoa, or your favorite gluten-free pasta.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but leave the pasta out before freezing. Freeze the soup on its own, and add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This healing lemon spinach ginger chicken soup is light, nourishing, and packed with immune-boosting ingredients like fresh ginger, organic chicken, lemon, and spinach. It’s the perfect cozy soup for busy weeknights, sick days, or anytime your family needs comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
you’ll need
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
1 onion, diced – adds depth and flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced – for that comforting kick
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger – immunity boost and zing! (A must in any ginger in chicken soup!)
2 ribs celery, diced – classic soup base
3 carrots, peeled and sliced – sweet and hearty
½ tsp dried thyme – earthy and grounding
6–7 cups organic chicken stock (or 2 organic chicken bouillon cubes + water) – nourishing and rich
2 bay leaves – infuse subtle depth
1¼ lb chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on – more flavor in the broth!
Salt and pepper, to taste – always season as you go
¾ cup orzo pasta – little comfort bites (feel free to sub with quinoa or rice)
¼ tsp sea salt – balances flavors
1 tbsp lemon juice – the bright finisher
2 cups organic spinach – stirred in at the end for nutrients and color
¼ cup parsley, chopped – fresh, herby lift
Fresh thyme – optional garnish, but so pretty
Instructions
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and dried thyme. Let everything cook together for another minute to bring out the aromas.
Pour in the chicken stock, add the bay leaves, and carefully nestle the chicken breasts into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks before returning it to the pot. Stir in the orzo, sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Let it cook just until the spinach wilts. Remove the bay leaves, garnish with fresh thyme if you’d like, and serve the soup warm for a cozy, nourishing bowl.
Notes
For deeper flavor, sear the chicken skin-side down before simmering.
To make it gluten-free, use rice or gluten-free pasta.
For freezing, skip the orzo and add fresh when reheating.
Store in the fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 285kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon spinach ginger chicken soup, chicken and ginger soup recipe, healing chicken soup, organic chicken, winter spinach, ginger in chicken soup, soup for colds, immune-boosting chicken soup
If there’s one recipe I can count on to lift everyone’s mood — it’s this lemon spinach ginger chicken soup. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and packed with healing ingredients like fresh ginger, lemon, and organic chicken. Whether you’ve got a house full of sniffles or just need a comforting weeknight dinner, this healing chicken soup is always a win.
As a busy mom myself, I love how simple this is to throw together with pantry staples, and how nourishing it feels with every spoonful. It’s one of those recipes I come back to over and over — and I hope it becomes that for you too
Tried it? I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below or tag me @SavorAtHome on Instagram or Pinterest so I can see your cozy bowl.
Don’t forget to pin it for later — trust me, you’ll want it on standby all winter long!
i love
★★★★★