Healing Chicken Ginger Soup

Ali Segersten

I’ve been making this soup a lot these days. It’s spicy, warming, and deeply nourishing—just the thing to help kick the lingering cold I’ve had. It starts with a simple homemade broth made from bone-in chicken breasts, a generous amount of fresh ginger, a whole head of garlic, fresh lemongrass, and a few cups of chopped shiitake mushrooms. After simmering for a few hours, the broth is strained and returned to the pot with fresh vegetables, the shredded cooked chicken, and some Thai rice noodles.

We serve it topped with crisp napa cabbage, basil, and cilantro—and for the grown-ups only, a few slices of fresh Thai chiles. 

What makes this soup so special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the way each ingredient supports the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides like lentinan, which help stimulate and regulate white blood cell activity, making them more efficient at identifying and eliminating pathogens. Ginger is healing on many levels—anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory. It acts as a natural antibiotic, helping to soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and support the body through fevers and chills.

The soup isn’t overly spicy, so it’s perfect for young children too. All of our kids love this soup and especially enjoy adding the toppings—minus the chiles, of course! The clear, warming broth is incredibly grounding and can help you feel better almost immediately.

Lately, I’ve been making double batches just to be sure we have leftovers. Hot, nourishing foods like this are incredibly helpful when you're feeling run down, especially during cold and flu season. I also love sipping on ginger-lemon tea, or serving warm quinoa porridge and my Healing Quinoa Cabbage Soup during times of immune stress.

Remember, when your body is healing, cold foods can increase congestion, so it’s best to avoid smoothies, raw salads, and icy drinks until you're feeling better. Let your meals be warm, simple, and supportive.

ALI-2023-PHOTO-VERTICAL-2

About the Author

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 2000 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.

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