Immune Builder Ginger Chicken Soup

Because everyone is sick, and that's gross

Tonight I'm making an immune boosting chicken soup that is incredibly easy to whip together on those nights when you're feeling like you need a little something soothing. Yes, this is a somewhat "sped up" version of homemade chicken soup, but quick and easy recipes are the ones we tend to use most during the hectic work week, right?

Ingredients: 

1-2 Organic Boneless Chicken Breasts

1 Quart Chicken Stock: I usually buy mine pre-made from Bi-Rite. I suggest keeping a few in your freezer so it's always on hand. 

1 Inch Ginger, peeled and minced 

Dill (as much as you desire) finely chopped

Baby Bok Choy

1-2 Carrots, chopped

2-3 Stalks of Celery, chopped

1/2 Yellow Onion, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

Sea Salt

Ready to cook?

Preheat your oven to 275. Poke the chicken breasts with a fork, season them with a pinch of sea salt, and place them in a dish covered with foil. Bake for around 30 minutes, or until fully cooked. While the chicken is cooking, add the carrots, onions, celery, ginger and coconut oil to the chicken stock, and let simmer until the chicken is ready. Remove the chicken from the oven and dice or shred it, and add it to the stock and vegetables. Chop up your dill and baby bok choy, and add them for a few minutes at the very end, right before you're ready to serve. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. 

Why is this so healthy? Let's look closer at the ingredients:

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a proven antibacterial, antimicrobial and even antiviral superfood. Plus it adds a bit of healthy fat to an otherwise light meal.  

Ginger: A highly potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, ginger supercharges your immune system (plus its unique warming quality helps fight off congestion, soothes a sore throat and calms an upset stomach). 

Bok Choy: The most nutrient-dense vegetable on the planet, baby bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable that is loaded with vitamins A, C, K and even calcium. In addition to helping you fight off the common cold and flu, studies prove that this vegetable is one of the most powerful cancer fighters available. Plus it's most delicious in the winter months. 

 

Broth: Loaded with calcium, magnesium, collagen and gelatin, real, homemade (or Bi-Rite made) chicken stock is vital for repairing the gut wall (which most of us need from years of eating gluten and other gut busting grains). Because the majority of your immune system is in your gut, a healthy and strong gut wall helps protects you from catching the colds and flus going around this time of year. 

I hope you find some warmth and comfort in this easy and delicious recipe. Stay healthy!