A comforting, immune boosting chicken soup recipe with a zingy twist of ginger is just what you need to get through flu season and satisfy your taste buds – especially as the weather starts to cool down.

This recipe combines the soothing qualities of homemade chicken soup with the powerful health benefits of ginger and creamy coconut milk, making it a delicious and nourishing meal for any day.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy bowl, this recipe has you covered with flavor and wellness in every spoonful.

Ginger’s Immune Boosting Power

Ginger isn’t just a spicy root that adds kick to your chicken soup recipe—it’s a natural powerhouse for your immune system.

Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol, ginger helps reduce inflammation, fights off infections, and soothes digestive discomfort.

When you sip on this ginger-infused chicken soup, you’re not only enjoying a tasty meal but also giving your body a gentle immune boost.

Especially during cold and flu season, ginger’s warming properties can help clear nasal passages and promote circulation, making it a perfect ingredient to keep you feeling vibrant and healthy.

The Creamy Goodness of Coconut Milk

One of the secret ingredients that take this chicken soup recipe to the next level is coconut milk.

Beyond its rich, velvety texture that complements the zing of ginger, coconut milk is loaded with healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are easily digested and provide quick energy.

These fats also support brain health and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Plus, coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice of ginger and the savory depth of chicken broth, making each spoonful luxuriously flavorful and nourishing.

The Recipe

TOTAL PREP + COOK TIME: 50 mins.

SERVING SIZE: serves 4

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 2 tsp. coconut oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. fresh minced ginger
• 1 bunch green onions, diced
• ¼ cup finely diced fresh basil
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp. red cayenne pepper
• 1 (15-oz.) can full fat coconut milk
• 1 (32-oz.) container bone broth
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp. celtic salt, plus more to taste
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, spiralized
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• cilantro + fresh lime juice

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add in garlic, ginger, green onion, and basil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions begin to turn translucent and slightly golden. 
2. Next add in turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt, and stir for 30 seconds to release flavors.
3. Add in coconut milk, bone broth and chicken thighs. Stir well to combine. Bring soup to a boil. You’ll want the chicken to be covered by the broth so make sure you stir them down to the bottom. 
4. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
5. Once chicken is cooked, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cutting board to shred with two forks. 
6. Add chicken back to pot then stir in sweet potato noodles and bell pepper. Simmer for a few more minutes. 
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish it off with cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

The Vegan Twist

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan or simply want to switch things up, replacing chicken with legumes like chickpeas or lentils is a fantastic option.

These plant-based proteins soak up the ginger and coconut milk flavors beautifully while adding fiber and essential nutrients.

Lentils, in particular, cook quickly and give the soup a hearty texture that satisfies just as well as chicken.

Simply ditch the chicken broth and use vegetable broth to keep the dish fully plant-based.

This swap keeps the soul-warming essence of the soup intact while making it accessible for everyone at your table.

My Favorite Remix: Red Lentils and Extra Ginger

My go-to remix of this chicken soup recipe is to skip the chicken altogether; replace the sweet potatoes with red lentils, and dial up the ginger to create a bold, vibrant red lentil soup.

The lentils thicken the broth naturally, making it creamy without any dairy, and the extra ginger adds a fiery punch that wakes up your senses.

This version is perfect for those days when you want something light but packed with flavor and immune-boosting benefits. It’s a simple twist that transforms the classic into a powerhouse vegan meal that’s just as satisfying.

Looking for more healthy recipes that are just as good for your body as they are for your tastebuds? 

Ask about my self-paced virtual wellness eGuide, The 7-Day Simplified Reset.

It’s a 30-page total wellness download with ready-to-use recipes + supplement recommendations, workouts, a mindfulness journal — and an entire strategy to kick-start your wellness reset.

Plus, it comes with daily coaching so you’re not in it alone.

Which soup is calling your name – classic comfort or vibrant vegan?

Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SimplyFitAngel. I’d love to hear from you!

If you’re stuck in a chicken rut you’re going to want to add these simple chicken marinade recipes in your pinned list.

When you’re feeling like all chicken tastes the same, it’s time to shake things up with some zesty marinades that aren’t only delicious but they’re easy to make.

These recipes can be a game-changer when it comes to making flavorful chicken – and they might just have your taste buds doing the cha-cha.

Before you get ready to save these marinade recipes, I have to keep it real: personally, I eat very little animal protein these days. And when I do, I don’t cook it myself.

I went through a four year plant-based eating journey to support my thyroid healing journey . Eventually, I tried to re-introduce animal protein but the taste just didn’t hit the same way for me, let alone the process of prepping it.

Although there was a time in my former life as a competitive fitness pro, when I ate chicken every single day for months.

As a matter of fact: I ate it baked. I ate it grilled. I even ate it boiled because getting stage ready required it at the time.

Despite not eating it as often now, I became a bit of a chicken connoisseur during that time in my life.

Today, the majority of my clients consistently eat animal protein, that’s why I wanted to make theirs (and your) life a little easier with these recipes.

So, grab your apron, and get ready to try these six simple chicken marinade recipes. (spoiler: these are gluten and dairy free, and can also do double duty as delicious salad dressings).

ZESTY LEMON HERB MARINADE RECIPE

Spoiler: go ahead and double this recipe because you’re going to love it as a salad dressing base.

This Zesty Lemon Herb recipe uses fresh lemon juice: a vitamin C powerhouse that helps boost your immune system and garlic.

Garlic isn’t just for the yummy flavor; it’s a prebiotic and it contains allicin that keeps harmful gut bacteria in check. Basically, with this simple marinade recipe you’re not just flavoring your chicken; you’re giving your gut a little love too!

What You’ll Need:

–  ¼ cup olive oil

– juice of 2 lemons

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped

– celtic salt + pepper to taste

HONEY MUSTARD MARINADE RECIPE

Mustard isn’t just a condiment; it’s a nutritional powerhouse of edible seeds, leaves, and flowers that have traditionally been used for pain relief.

It’s seeds contain the enzyme myrosinase which can help with digestion. The honey in this honey mustard marinade adds a touch of sweetness and has natural antibacterial properties.

Also, let’s not forget about apple cider vinegar, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, increase stomach acid, and improve gut health. Yes, this simple chicken marinade recipe can taste delicious and be that gut healthy.

What You’ll Need:

– ¼ cup gluten-free Dijon mustard

– 2 tbsp. honey (or maple syrup for a vegan twist)

– ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

– 1 tbsp. olive oil

– salt and pepper to taste

SPICY CHIPOTLE MARINADE RECIPE

Let’s talk chipotle. The peppers not the food chain.

The word chipotle translates to ‘smoked chili’. As in jalapeño pepper. From salsas to soups, chipotle peppers are known for their smoky, sweet, but spicy flavor.

The cumin in this spicy chipotle marinade on the other hand, is an often-overlooked spice that can help digestion. It’s a spice that boosts digestive enzymes which help your body break down your food better.

That means while your taste buds are dancing, your body is getting a healthy boost!

What You’ll Need:

– ¼ cup olive oil

– 2 tbsp. chipotle seasoning

– juice of 1 lime

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tsp. cumin

– salt to taste

COCONUT CURRY MARINADE RECIPE

Coconut milk is one of my faves! The thicker, the better. It has vitamin D and healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation and support healthy joints & bones.

Curry powder often contains turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Curry leaves also a good source of iron. So, this coconut curry marinade not only tastes good, it can keep you feeling good.

What You’ll Need:

– ½ cup canned, coconut milk

– 2 tbsp. curry powder

– 1 tbsp. lime juice

– 1 tbsp. olive oil

– celtic salt + cayenne pepper to taste

GARLIC AND ROSEMARY MARINADE RECIPE

Rosemary is more than just a pretty herb; it’s packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic, as I mentioned earlier, is a superstar for gut health.

Together, these ingredients create a garlic and rosemary marinade that’s not just flavorful but also beneficial for your well-being.

What You’ll Need:

– ¼ cup olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

– juice of 1 lemon

– celtic salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

TERIYAKI MARINADE RECIPE

Ginger is a pantry staple in my household.

I cook with hit, make teas & tonics with it, and I make detox compresses with it.

It reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and can help with digestion. It’s also known to boost your immune system.

Using gluten-free soy sauce makes this teriyaki marinade friendly for gluten sensitive guts. Plus, honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness perfectly.

What You’ll Need:

– ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

– ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tbsp. ginger, grated

– 1 tbsp. sesame oil

– optional: sesame seeds for garnish

There you have it—six simple chicken marinade recipes that are both dairy and gluten-free!

These marinades not only help elevate your chicken game but also pack a nutritional punch with their health benefits.

The next time you find yourself staring at a sad piece of chicken, come back to these recipes and they’ll transform your meal into a flavor fiesta!

Looking for a way to remix your chicken? Check out this Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs recipe!

Are you a citrus or spicy lover?

Leave a comment below and when you try these, take a picture and tag me on Instagram @SimplyFitAngel. I’d love to hear from you!