Comfort in a Bowl: The Most Amazing Gut-Healing Chicken Soup
When the weather turns chilly or your body craves nourishment, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken soup to provide comfort and healing. This isn't just any chicken soup; this is a gut-healing, nutrient-packed recipe designed to soothe your soul and nurture your body.
Whether you're fighting off a cold, recovering from a busy week, recovering from giving birth (like me), or simply embracing the slower rhythms of homestead life, this recipe is your go-to for wholesome nourishment. Let me guide you through the process of making this amazing soup that has quickly become a staple in our home.
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Why Gut-Healing Chicken Soup?
Our health begins in the gut, and this soup is packed with ingredients that not only taste amazing but also promote gut health. From collagen-rich chicken broth to nutrient-dense vegetables, every bite is designed to support your body's natural healing processes.
Here's a quick breakdown of the benefits:
- Bone Broth: Rich in collagen and amino acids, it strengthens the gut lining and supports joint and skin health.
- Garlic and Ginger: Known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Vegetables: Full of fiber and essential vitamins to fuel your body.
- Turmeric: A potent anti-inflammatory spice that adds warmth and depth to the soup.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen:
- Whole chicken for a rich, flavorful broth.
- Fresh garlic and ginger, finely minced.
- A mix of onion, celery, and carrots for the classic base.
- A touch of turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor and boost health benefits.
- Fresh or dried herbs like parsley and thyme for added flavor.
- Optional: Add cooked rice or noodles if you'd like to make it heartier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Broth
- Rinse off all the veggies to get all the dirt off.
- Fill a large pot (I use this stock pot) with all the ingredients for the broth.
- Fill pot with filtered water making sure the chicken in fully submerged.
- Bring to a boil then let simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Once chicken is ready, it will shred super easily.
- Take the chicken out and shred (Keep aside till later).
- Use a spider strainer or colander to separate the broth from the veggies.
- Save the veggies for the compost/garden!
- Keep broth separated until later.
- Make The Soup
- In the dutch oven or large pot, heat the oil on meduim heat.
- Toss in onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté till onions are translucent.
- Add chopped garlic cloves.
- Stir until garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Don’t let it burn.
- Add in the chopped zucchini.
- Add broth back in and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles. (I don’t like to add rice or noodles straight to the broth since it soaks up all the broth/ can make it mushy.)
Tips for Making the Best Gut-Healing Chicken Soup
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your soup will taste and the more nourishing it will be. Opt for organic or pasture-raised chicken if possible.
- Double the Recipe: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a big batch to have on hand for busy days.
- Add Variations: If you're looking to mix things up, try adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, or swap rice for quinoa for a gluten-free option.
A Soup That Feels Like a Hug
Every time I make this soup, it reminds me of how food can be medicine. There's something so grounding about creating a recipe from scratch, especially when it’s made with the intention of nourishing your family.
Whether you're curled up on the couch with a steaming bowl or sharing it around the dinner table, this gut-healing chicken soup is sure to become a family favorite.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram @simplyrusticliving_ or share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Gut Healing Chicken Soup
Ingredients
For The Broth
- 1 Whole Onion
- 3 Carrots
- 1 Garlic Bulb Cut in half
- 4 Ribs Of Celery I like to use the ones in the middle with all the leaves for extra flavor
- 1 Handful Of Fresh Parsley
- 1 Small Bunch Of Fresh Thyme
- 1 Small Bunch Of Fresh Rosemary
- 3-4 Bay Leaves
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns
- 1 Tbsp Turmeric
- 1 inch knob of Ginger
- 1 Whole Uncooked Chicken
- Water To Cover
For the Soup
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 Onion Chopped
- 3-4 Carrots Halved and Chopped
- 3 Ribs of Celery Chopped
- 2 Zuchini Chopped
- 3-5 Garlic Cloves Chopped
- 1 Whole Chicken Shredded
Instructions
- For The Broth
- Rinse off all the veggies to get all the dirt off.
- Fill a large pot (I used my dutch oven) with all the ingredients for the broth.
- Fill pot with filtered water making sure the chicken in fully submerged.
- Bring to a boil then let simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Once chicken is ready, it will shred super easily.
- Take the chicken out and shred (Keep aside till later).
- Use a spider strainer or colander to separate the broth from the veggies.
- Save the veggies for the compost/garden!
- Keep broth separated until later.
For the soup
- In the dutch oven or large pot, heat the oil on meduim heat.
- Toss in onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté till onions are translucent.
- Add chopped garlic cloves.
- Stir until garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Don’t let it burn.
- Add in the chopped zucchini.
- Add broth back in and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles. (I don’t like to add rice or noodles straight to the broth since it soaks up all the broth/ can make it mushy.)
Notes
I like to divide soup up into cubes and then freeze it.
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