10 Healthful Chicken Soup Recipes from Around the World

Chicken soup is a classic folk remedy for colds and flus, used by moms and grandmas around the world as a healing dish for literally thousands of years. More recently, studies have shown that chicken soup may have an anti-inflammatory effect, which just goes to show that moms always did know best. Because so many cultures  know just how beneficial it can be, we’ve gathered some excellent chicken soup recipes from diverse cuisines all over the globe.

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1. Pozole Verde 

Pozole verde is a spicy Mexican chicken soup that is pretty much guaranteed to open your sinuses. It’s also exceptionally well-balanced: the heat from the jalapeño peppers is grounded by the earthiness of the hominy, and the lime wedge cuts through the healthy fattiness of the avocado. Plus, it’s super good for you — jalapeño, for instance, is antibacterial, and avocado may help lower LDL cholesterol.

Try this recipe from Grandbaby Cakes.

2. Khoresh Fesenjan 

If you haven’t used pomegranate molasses before, you’re in for a serious treat. And don’t worry about buying an ingredient that you’ll never use again: You’ll want to drizzle this stuff over roasted vegetables, whisk it into salad dressings, or incorporate it into marinades. The Persian pomegranate stew khoresh fesenjan is traditionally served over saffron rice, but you can use another grain or sub in cauliflower rice if you prefer. This dish is absolutely bursting with flavor — not to mention polyunsaturated fatty acids, which come courtesy of the walnuts that provide a nice low note in the sauce. 

Try this recipe from Oven Hug.

3. Máyóujī 

With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe for Máyóujī, Taiwanese sesame oil chicken soup, is phenomenally simple. But thanks to key ingredients black sesame oil and rice wine, it has fantastic depth of flavor. This dish is traditionally served with noodles; use rice vermicelli to make it gluten free, if you prefer. Bonus: Sesame oil isn’t just phenomenally delicious — it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, too.  

Try this recipe from Choo Choo Cachew.

4. Aguadito de Pollo 

This restorative chicken cilantro soup from Peru is simple to make, and it’s also incredibly versatile. Throw in some fish or mussels, or swap out the chicken for turkey, if you like. There’s really just one hard-and-fast rule: Don’t overcook the peas or they’ll turn mushy. Not surprisingly, like many chicken soup recipes, this one is great for you; the chili pepper in here, aji amarillo, is packed with vitamin A. Also, cilantro — a critical component of this dish — has migraine-relieving and neuroprotective properties.

Try this recipe from Peru Delights.

5. Chicken Tinola

Chicken tinola is a classic Filipino comfort food. The recipe calls for green papaya, fresh ginger, and fish sauce, which come together in absolutely perfect balance. Aside from being delicious, this soup is brimming with healing power, especially since green papaya has seriously potent antioxidant properties.

Try this recipe from Six Snippets.

6. Zuppa di Vedure Con Il Pollo 

This chicken-and-vegetable soup from Italy is incredibly filling and hearty since it’s packed with chicken, beans, and all sorts of vegetables. A complete meal unto itself, this is a solid dinner to enjoy after a workout. It also makes great use of Tuscan kale, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost gut health. 

Try this recipe from La Bella Sorella.

7. Miyan Gyada 

You’ll find variations on peanut soup throughout West Africa — and we haven’t tried a bad one yet. This particular version is a Hausa recipe adapted to incorporate peanut butter instead of ground roasted peanuts. In addition to tasting great, peanuts are nutrient dense, a good source of amino acids and fiber.  

Try this recipe from Eat Well Abi.

8. Tom Kha Gai

Tom kha gai is one of the best chicken soup recipes for when you’re feeling sick; this Thai staple is fragrant, filling, and stacked with delicately layered flavors. With a base of rich, creamy coconut milk, this soup manages to have an incredibly luxurious texture while still feeling healthy (which it absolutely is). Here, lemongrass lends its distinctive tart, bright taste — as well as its antioxidants and antibacterial properties. 

Try this recipe from Thai Caliente.

9. Cock-a-Leekie Soup 

Known as “Scotland’s National Soup,” cock-a-leekie is very similar to many other Western chicken soup recipes, with one striking exception: Its use of prunes to add sweetness and depth to the flavor. Before you dismiss this one (“Prune soup?”), know that aside from the already well-known benefits of prunes, they also may help protect against heart disease and bone loss. This recipe leaves the prunes in when serving, but many Scottish cooks remove them first.

Try this recipe from Great British Chefs.

10. Mizutaki 

This Japanese hot pot recipe involves simmering ingredients in a light broth, then dipping them in citrusy ponzu sauce. The recipe varies from region to region (and home to home), but common ingredients include chicken thighs, chicken meatballs, cabbage, tofu, spinach, mushrooms, and daikon. It’s typically cooked and served communally at the table over a butane burner. We love the intimate, family nature of this dish, as well as the delicate flavor and healthful ingredients, especially kombu, the kelp that gives the broth its distinctive, traditional taste. You can find it in Asian markets or online. 

Try this recipe from Just One Cookbook.

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