Some soups heal your body, others heal your attitude. This ginger chicken and rice soup does a little of both. It's the kind of gentle, warm comfort that doesn't ask questions - just hands you a spoon and says, "Eat, sweetheart." Light on the stomach but rich in flavor, it's perfect for chemo days, colds, or those evenings when life's just a bit much and you need something kind simmering on the stove.
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Around here, we don't do bland "hospital food." We do real chicken, fresh ginger, and a dash of rebellion. This soup's got enough warmth to chase off the chill and just enough bite to remind you you're still kicking. It's comfort with a backbone - the kind of recipe that proves healing food doesn't have to taste like a sad beige memory.
Simple ingredients for this easy chicken and rice soup
This soothing chicken soup is light, nourishing, and kind to tender stomachs - the kind of gentle chicken soup recipe that feels like a hug from someone who knows what you're going through.
- Cooked chicken - make sure it's not overly seasoned if you're using rotisserie.
- Cooked rice - white is best for tender tummies
- Celery for crunch and virtue.
- Carrot, because color makes us feel like we're thriving.
- Onion - the backbone of every good soup and half our emotional breakdowns. Leave it out if it can't be tolerated.
- Garlic - measure with your heart but leave it out if it's too much.
- Fresh ginger - perfect for settling nauseated stomachs and adds fresh flavor.
- Chicken stock - homemade if you're feeling saintly, boxed if you're tired.
- A drizzle of olive oil for that glossy, cozy finish.
- A squeeze of lemon and lemon zest to wake it all up.
- A sprig of rosemary, because we're classy like that and it adds flavor.
📖 Recipe
Ginger Chicken and Rice Soup
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or skip if it bothers the stomach)
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, or ½ teaspoon powdered ginger if fresh is too sharp
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small sprig rosemary, or ¼ teaspoon dried
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast or thighs (poached or rotisserie)
- 2 cups cooked rice, white is best for soothing nauseated stomachs
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, lemon zest, and ginger. Cook gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until everything softens and smells bright.
- Sprinkle with salt. Pour in the chicken broth and drop in the rosemary.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer 10-15 minutes to let the flavors cozy up.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and rice. Warm through for 5 more minutes.
- Taste, adjust salt, and serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon if you tolerate acidity well.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
Make this soup even gentler (and better for chemo week)
My daughter has a tumor in the center of her brain. It can't be operated on and it has affected her motor skills, as well as other things. Because of this I tend to make soups very thick - a spoon with a watery broth can be tricky.
Adjust the recipes in this series to your own needs. My goal for this series is to give you recipes that are simple, easy on the digestive system, and delicious.
- Make it thick: Add more cooked rice and use ground or shredded chicken if there are issues with motor skills.
- Ease the digestion: Use white rice or orzo.
- Add a bit of creaminess: Stir in a splash of unsweetened coconut milk or a spoonful of mashed potato at the end. Makes it soft and comforting without being heavy.
- Boost hydration: Make the broth extra thin-add another cup of water or low-sodium stock. Hydration is gold during chemo.
- Brighten without acidity: If lemon zest feels too strong, swap it for a teaspoon of honey or a few leaves of fresh basil for brightness without the sting.
- Protein variation: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie-whichever texture you can manage easiest with a fork.
- Make ahead: Chill it overnight-the flavors deepen, and you can just reheat one gentle bowl at a time.
- Optional add-ins for recovery: A pinch of turmeric for inflammation, or a handful of baby spinach stirred in just before serving for extra nutrients (if you're up to it).
Healing doesn't have to taste bland or feel lonely. Sometimes it's just a bowl of ginger chicken and rice soup - simple, soothing, and made with love. Whether you're cooking for yourself or someone you adore, this is comfort that shows up when words can't. Now grab a spoon, take a breath, and let this little bit of warmth remind you that you're still here - and you're doing just fine.
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