Imagine a steaming bowl of golden broth, fragrant with savory chicken and tender vegetables. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a deeply nourishing gut healing bone broth soup designed to soothe and restore.
This recipe is your step-by-step guide to creating a deeply satisfying and beneficial soup at home, perfect for anyone seeking comfort and digestive support.
Why You’ll Love This Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup
- Deeply Nourishing: Packed with collagen and amino acids from bone broth to support your gut lining and reduce inflammation.
- Effortlessly Delicious: A classic flavor profile of tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
- Simple to Make: Straightforward steps make this a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
- Gut-Friendly: Gentle on your digestive system and promotes overall wellness.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite grains or noodles.
Ingredients Needed
- 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 small yellow onion (or half of a large onion)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken bone broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt (*see notes)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ((optional))
- 1 cup cooked brown rice, farro, orzo or egg noodles ((optional))
- chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: Using chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture than breast, though both work wonderfully.
Bone Broth: Opt for a high-quality store-bought bone broth with minimal additives, or make your own for ultimate control over ingredients. For extra flavor, roast the chicken bones before making bone broth from scratch. You can find more information on the health benefits of quinoa, which is a great addition to soups.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for added nutrients and flavor. A hearty quinoa salad can also be a great accompaniment.
Grains/Noodles: These are optional and can be swapped based on your preference or dietary needs. Cooked grains like brown rice or farro, or noodles like orzo or egg noodles, add heartiness. For a different kind of pasta, consider this chickpea pasta.
Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used interchangeably with dried; simply use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
How to Make Your Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1.5 tbsp olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or a stockpot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 small yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, releasing a wonderful fragrance.
Bloom Spices
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and the 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Build the Broth
Pour in 4 cups chicken bone broth and 2 cups water. Stir to combine everything in the pot.
Cook the Chicken
Gently place the 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs) into the simmering liquid. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should be easily pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot onto a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly before handling. Using two forks, shred the chicken, or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Combine and Finish
Return the shredded or chopped chicken to the soup pot. If using, stir in the 1 cup pre-cooked brown rice, farro, orzo or egg noodles.
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and additional black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or dill.
The Gut-Healing Power of Bone Broth Soup
This soup is a fantastic choice for supporting your digestive health. The foundation of bone broth is rich in compounds that are incredibly beneficial for your gut. This is a great example of a simple yet effective high-protein soft food option.
Collagen & Gelatin: These proteins break down into amino acids that help repair and maintain the integrity of your intestinal lining. This can be especially helpful for issues like “leaky gut” syndrome.
Amino Acids (Glycine & Proline): Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, glycine and proline aid in tissue repair and can help calm an irritated gut.
Hydration & Nutrients: The warm liquid, combined with the easily digestible vegetables, provides essential hydration and nutrients that support a thriving gut microbiome.
The simple ingredients and gentle cooking method make this soup incredibly easy to digest, solidifying its status as a true healing soup and comforting meal. It can be a great addition to a rheumatoid arthritis diet plan for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
Homemade Broth Flavor Boost: For extra flavor in homemade broth, roast the chicken bones before simmering. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can also enhance depth. You might also enjoy exploring a juicy Mediterranean chicken marinade for variety.
Mineral Extraction: A splash of apple cider vinegar added during the simmering of homemade broth can help extract more minerals from the bones.
Tender Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken; a gentle simmer is best for tender meat.
Flavor Depth: Add other herbs like rosemary or sage along with the thyme for a more complex flavor profile.
Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a wonderful brightness to the soup. For a zesty twist, consider a spicy harissa vinaigrette.
Vegetable Variety: Include leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Insufficient Simmering (Homemade Broth): Not simmering homemade broth long enough to extract maximum flavor and nutrients from the bones.
Overly Concentrated Soup: Using too little liquid (broth + water), which can result in a soup that is too concentrated or overly salty.
Tough Chicken: Overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dry, stringy meat.
Premature Salting: Adding salt too early in the cooking process, especially before the chicken is cooked, as it can toughen the meat.
Ignoring Bone Broth Quality: Using a low-quality store-bought bone broth that lacks sufficient collagen or has unnecessary additives.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
Serve this comforting soup as a light lunch with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider a vibrant Mediterranean orzo salad.
Pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Enjoy a smaller portion as a warming appetizer before your main course. For a richer appetizer, try Jerusalem artichoke soup.
Top with a few slices of avocado for added healthy fats and creaminess.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s properly cooled before freezing.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. Avoid boiling vigorously after reheating.
Conclusion
This gut healing bone broth soup is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a comforting embrace for your digestive system. Its ease of preparation and powerful gut-supporting ingredients make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
I encourage you to try this nourishing soup. It’s a wonderful way to support your gut wellness while enjoying a truly satisfying bowl. For more gut-friendly options, explore our Mediterranean bean salad.
Enjoy every nourishing spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes this soup ‘gut healing’?
Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glycine and proline, which are thought to support the integrity of the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and aid in digestion. The cooked vegetables also provide fiber and nutrients that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Is bone broth soup good for digestion?
Yes, bone broth itself is considered highly digestible and beneficial for gut health due to its nutrient profile. This soup, made with bone broth and tender ingredients, is designed to be gentle on the digestive system.
Can I use pre-made bone broth?
Absolutely! You can use either homemade bone broth or a high-quality store-bought version. Look for bone broths with minimal additives and a good source of collagen.
How do I store and reheat this soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What vegetables are good in bone broth soup for gut health?
Carrots, celery, and onions are classic choices that provide fiber and nutrients. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can also be added in the final minutes of cooking. A spinach and feta stuffed salmon is another healthy meal option.
How long does it take to make bone broth chicken soup?
This specific recipe takes about 45-55 minutes from start to finish, including prep and simmering time. If making homemade bone broth from scratch, that process takes significantly longer (many hours).
Can I add noodles or grains?
Yes, cooked noodles (like egg noodles or orzo) or grains (like brown rice or farro) can be added in the last few minutes of cooking if desired, as listed in the ingredients.
Gut Healing Bone Broth Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1.5 tbsp olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or a stockpot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 small yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, releasing a wonderful fragrance.
- Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and the 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in 4 cups chicken bone broth and 2 cups water. Stir to combine everything in the pot.
- Gently place the 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs) into the simmering liquid. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot onto a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly before handling. Using two forks, shred the chicken, or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded or chopped chicken to the soup pot. If using, stir in the 1 cup pre-cooked brown rice, farro, orzo or egg noodles.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and additional black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or dill.