This effortless lemongrass chicken soup made with a whole chicken is just perfect for giving your body a bit of a pick-me-up when the weather changes. A whole chicken cooked in one pot surrounded by lemongrass, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and a selection of your favorite root vegetables. Topped with a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra oomph, and you are good to go.
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Lemongrass Chicken Soup
If you are looking for something a little different from your traditional oven-roasted chicken dinner, but just as delicious, then this is it!
I am a huge fan of one-pot dinners (mainly because I hate dishes), and this meal works just perfectly in the cast iron pot in the oven.
I added some lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric to give the broth some immunity-boosting powers and it gave the dish an amazing level of depth and complexity.
Plus the added veggies ensure you have a full belly for longer!
Simply heat some olive oil and add the chicken, broth, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and turmeric to the pot and cook for around 50 mins.
Pop in some veggies for another 30 minutes and serve with some wild rice or as is.
If you don't have a cast iron pot then any pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
Substitutions and Troubleshooting
I don't have a mortar and pestle
No worries at all.
Instead, you can use:
- The butt of the knife
- The end of the rolling pin
- or just cut everything up a little bit more
I can't find fresh lemongrass, ginger or turmeric
Although relatively easy to find in Australia, I know that these ingredients can be harder to find in some places.
Especially rural areas.
As a substitute, you can usually find the prepared version in little squeezy tubes in the cold section of the veggie aisle.
If not, you can use dried ginger and turmeric.
I grow lemongrass as it is pretty much the easiest thing to grow (just be careful, it can take over the whole veggie patch if you aren't careful!), plus it is so much cheaper than buying in the store.
Can I make this without the foil?
The aluminum foil traps more heat inside the pot making sure that you get those extra juices from the chicken into broth.
This makes it more nourishing and better for boosting your immunity.
I get it though, I don't like cooking with aluminum too much either, so if this bothers you then forego the foil and add a bit more stock to ensure you still have enough broth at the end.
What Veggies Go Well With This Lemongrass Soup
This soup is pretty versatile.
Most veggies are going to go well, with a few exceptions.
I have used:
- potatoes
- sweet potatoes
- parsnips
- turnips (acquired taste so buyer beware)
- mushrooms
- carrots
- celery
- green cabbage (red cabbage tastes great but the purple mixed with the yellow/orange of the turmeric can make for an unappealing colour)
- I also love to stir through a big handful of baby spinach or chopped bok choy at the end for even more nutrients loaded into one bowl.
Use The Whole Bird
If you are going to go to the expense of buying a good quality whole chicken, then make sure you get the most out of it.
Always keep the leftover bones and throw them into the crockpot with some water, herbs, and spices after dinner so you can make homemade broth.
I usually fill the water level up to maximum and set it on low for 10 hours.
It makes a delicious homemade broth which can then be used for
- sipping warm (great when you have a sore throat)
- a base for soups
- a base for risottos
- and anything else you would normally use stock in.
Find instructions for making homemade veggie broth here and simply add in the chicken bones as well for nourishing homemade chicken broth.
Just remember this bird has been stuffed with garlic, ginger turmeric, and lemongrass so you will want to use any new homemade stock on a dish that would go well with these flavors.
Like this Lemongrass and Beef Brisket Bowl.
Storing Leftovers and Meal Prepping
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers can also be frozen, however, be mindful that some of the cooked veggies may become a little softer when thawed.
Simply reheat in a pot on the stovetop, or the microwave.
Need some more Healthy Eating Hacks for boosting your immune system?
Click the link above and check some out.
Recipe
One Pot Ginger Lemongrass Chicken Soup
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Ingredients
- 4 lb Chicken (1.6kg)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 lemongrass stalks
- 1 thumb fresh ginger cut into slices
- ½ thumb fresh turmeric cut into slices
- 9 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cups chopped vegetables of choice - I used carrots, celery and mushrooms here see notes for alternatives
- Roughly chopped parsley to serve
- lemon slices to serve
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric to serve
- cooked wild rice to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C)
- Rinse the chicken under cool running water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a snug fitting oven-proof dish with a lid (I used cast iron)4 lb Chicken
- Trim the ends from the lemongrass, remove the outer leaves, slice in half lengthwise, and then crosswise. Pop into a mortar and pestle with the salt, ginger, turmeric, and garlic and hit with the pestle a couple of times until slightly crushed.2 lemongrass stalks, 1 thumb fresh ginger, ½ thumb fresh turmeric, 9 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons salt
- Place a few pieces of the lemongrass mixture in the cavity of the chicken and then arrange the rest around the outside of the bird
- Pour over the broth and dot the butter on the skin of the chicken. Add freshly ground pepper2 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Place a large sheet of aluminium foil over the bird and press down until it is just touching. Pop on the lid and pop into the oven for 50 mins.
- After 50 minutes remove the lid and the foil and spread the vegetables around the chicken6 cups chopped vegetables of choice - I used carrots, celery and mushrooms here
- Replace the foil and lid and continue baking for another 30 minutes
- Remove from the oven and check the chicken for doneness (see notes), let rest for 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the soup mixture and allow to cool for 5 minutes before carving and shredding. Remove the lemongrass strands from the pot before adding the chicken pieces back in. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a generous serving of chicken, vegetables, and broth in a bowl, top with a small sprinkle of the ground turmeric, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve with some cooked wild rice if desired.Roughly chopped parsley, lemon slices, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, cooked wild rice
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Blossom Smith says
Turned out very well! Very tasty and satisfying. I served it with a whole grain bun and everyone loved it!
Donna says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Molly Wilson says
Woooww, I can't wait to try it, Thanks for sharing....
Richa says
My husband and I were down with the flu a few weeks back and I wish I had seen your recipe then. It looks like just the remedy for a cold.
Donna1 says
Oh it is Richa, it is so comforting! I hope you guys are feeling better now, both of you being sick must have been horrible!
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
This is the perfect meal for the winter! Chicken broth is so nutritional! Love this!
Donna1 says
I agree, chicken broth works wonders Neli 🙂
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
what a cozy dinner recipe. Can't wait to cook it and gather the family... and watch a nature documentary 😉
Donna1 says
Haha thanks Claudia 🙂 Still love those nature documentaries!!
Diane says
I recently roasted a gorgeous organic, range hen. I completely agree every bit should be used! Your recipe looks delicious! I particularly like the immune boosting additions. What a great idea!
Donna1 says
Definitely Diane! The homemade stock that comes from the bones is nothing short of amazing!! I kick myself every time I run out and have to use the store bought variety.
Ciao Florentina says
This time of year we could sure use a little immunity boost. This is a delicious way to get it. Yum!
Donna1 says
Thanks Florentina 🙂
Jessica says
Donna, this looks so beautiful and delicious! I love hearing about your Sunday suppers growing up. That's something I'm trying to make a tradition in our house.
Donna1 says
Oh thanks for your lovely words Jessica 🙂 I am trying to make it a tradition with my own family now as well, it's hard though, as I tend to just want to relax come Sunday! It's a little bit easier in the winter when we hang around home anyway, and I can keep an eye on the roast.
nazima says
this looks perfect for mid winter. And the flavours in the stock must be so comforting with the roasted chicken. Lovely idea. Thanks for sharing
Donna1 says
Oh thank you so much Nazima 🙂
Ali @ Home & Plate says
I've got a kiddo that could use this recipe right about now. Home cooked chicken broth is a great way to stay healthy and also helps when not feeding great. Pinning this recipe.
Donna1 says
Oh it's a terrible time of year for kids getting sick hey! Both mine have just gotten over another round of sniffly noses/coughs, I have made this twice in the last month for them, and it is so comforting! They drink the broth out of a cup, and just dip their chicken in there 🙂
Platter Talk says
I always marvel at how a good home cooked meal can relive even the most sever cases of being homesick. This roast chicken dish looks just mouthwatering and healthy to boot. I love the idea of making your own stock, we do the same thing, frequently. Thanks for the wonderful post!
Donna1 says
Oh I know right! My quick and easy homesick relief is always a cup of tea (I don't think I have ever seen my mum without a cup of tea in her hand, so it always gives me that fix 🙂 ) Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Sharee @ Savory Spicerack says
Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe for a natural immunity boost. I need this as I work in the hospital during the winter months! Pinning!
Donna1 says
You are so welcome Sharee! My husband works in the hospital as well, the winter months are so horrible in that industry! Stay healthy 🙂