Cleansing Ginger-Chicken Soup
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This cleansing ginger and chicken soup is a nourishing choice for those seeking a light yet deeply satisfying meal. By gently simmering a whole organic chicken with aromatic ginger, garlic, and peppercorns, you create a clear, golden broth that is both soothing and fragrant. The abundance of fresh ginger provides a warming heat that perfectly complements the tender, shredded chicken, making it an ideal option for a restorative lunch or a simple weekday supper.
As a diabetes-friendly dish, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and natural aromatics rather than heavy carbohydrates. It is naturally low in fat and free from processed additives, fitting seamlessly into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. Serve this homemade soup steaming hot in deep bowls, perhaps finished with a handful of fresh coriander leaves to add a vibrant, herbal lift to the finished dish.
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Ingredients for Cleansing Ginger-Chicken Soup
1 onion, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
230g unpeeled scrubbed ginger, cut into 1/2"-thick slices
2 garlic cloves, crushed
10 whole black peppercorns
450g whole organic chicken, cut into 7 pieces (2 breasts, 2 legs with thighs attached, 2 wings, 1 back)
Kosher salt
Coriander leaves (optional)
How to make Cleansing Ginger-Chicken Soup
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large heavy pot. Add chicken, placing breasts on top. Add 5.7L water (preferably filtered or spring water); bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover with lid slightly ajar. Reduce heat to low; simmer until chicken breasts are just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken breasts to a plate; let cool, then cover and chill. Continue to simmer soup, uncovered, until broth is fully flavoured, about 2 1/2 hours longer. Return breasts to soup to rewarm, about 5 minutes.
Remove chicken from broth. When cool enough to handle, coarsely shred meat; discard skin and bones. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another large pot; strain broth, discarding solids in strainer (you should have about 1925ml broth). Season with salt.
Rewarm soup. Divide chicken among bowls. Pour hot broth over, dividing equally. Garnish soup with coriander leaves, if desired.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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