Chicken Soup l Tasty and Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe
Chicken Soup l Tasty and Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 2. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by naziya khans Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $3.35 total, $1.67 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola or sunflower)
- 0.5 small onion Onion (finely chopped)
- 3 pieces Cloves (whole)
- 1 pod Green Cardamom (lightly crushed)
- 4 pieces Black Peppercorns (whole)
- 1 small piece Cinnamon Stick (about 2 cm long)
- 250 grams Chicken Breast (boneless, cleaned and washed)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger‑Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground)
- to taste Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (freshly ground if possible)
- 2 cups Water (filtered; equivalent to about 500 ml)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat Oil
Place the pressure cooker on medium‑high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Let the oil heat until it shimmers.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Aromatics
Add the finely chopped half onion, 3 cloves, 1 green cardamom pod, 4 whole black peppercorns and a small cinnamon stick. Stir and sauté until the onion turns light golden and the spices become fragrant.
Time: PT4M
Brown the Chicken
Add the 250 g of cleaned chicken pieces. Sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken surface is lightly browned.
Time: PT4M
Add Ginger‑Garlic Paste
Stir in 1 tablespoon of ginger‑garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
Time: PT1M
Season
Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, salt to taste, and ½ teaspoon black pepper powder. Mix well and sauté for another minute on low flame.
Time: PT1M
Add Water
Pour in 2 cups of water, give everything a good stir, and let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
Time: PT2M
Pressure Cook
Close the pressure cooker lid, bring to high pressure and cook for 8 minutes. After the time is up, allow a natural pressure release for 2 minutes, then quick‑release any remaining pressure.
Time: PT8M
Finish and Serve
Open the cooker, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Cloves: Ground cloves (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Green Cardamom: Cardamom powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Black Peppercorns: Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Cinnamon Stick: Ground cinnamon (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Firm tofu for a vegetarian version
- Instead of Ginger‑Garlic Paste: Fresh ginger (1 tsp) + fresh garlic (1 tsp), minced
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Fresh grated turmeric (½ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper Powder: Freshly ground black pepper
- Instead of Water: Chicken broth for richer flavor
- Instead of Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): Fresh parsley
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Wooden Cooking Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté whole spices and onion until light golden – this builds the soup’s flavor base.
- Brown the chicken pieces to develop depth before pressure cooking.
- Cook under pressure for exactly 8 minutes to keep the chicken tender and the broth clear.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh ginger‑garlic paste for a brighter aroma; homemade paste yields the best flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a subtle zing.
- For extra richness, stir in a teaspoon of ghee or butter at the end.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is tough after cooking.
Ensure the pressure cooking time is at least 8 minutes; if using larger pieces, increase to 10‑12 minutes.
Soup is too watery.
Reduce the water by ¼ cup or simmer uncovered for a few minutes after pressure release to concentrate the broth.
Spice flavor is muted.
Toast whole spices a little longer in step 2 and add a pinch more turmeric or pepper powder before pressure cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth a day ahead and refrigerate; add chicken and heat just before serving.
- The soup freezes well – portion it out and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken soup in Indian cuisine?
Chicken soup in Indian households is often prepared as a comforting, restorative dish during colder months or when someone is feeling under the weather. It blends Ayurvedic principles of warmth (turmeric) with familiar spices, making it both nourishing and soothing.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken soup in Indian cuisine?
North Indian versions frequently use whole spices like cloves, cardamom and cinnamon, while South Indian styles might incorporate curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut milk. Each region adjusts the spice blend to match local palate preferences.
How is chicken soup traditionally served in Indian households?
It is usually served hot, garnished with fresh coriander, and accompanied by plain rice, roti, or a side of toasted bread. Some families also add a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of garam masala just before eating.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken soup associated with in Indian culture?
While not a festival dish, chicken soup is a go‑to comfort food during family gatherings, after festivals when guests feel tired, and especially during monsoon or winter when a warm broth is welcomed.
How does chicken soup fit into the broader Indian cuisine tradition?
It reflects the Indian emphasis on balancing flavors and health benefits—using spices like turmeric for anti‑inflammatory properties and whole spices for aroma—while still being a simple, everyday meal.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Indian chicken soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include chicken, turmeric, ginger‑garlic paste, whole spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns), and fresh coriander. Substitutes can be turkey for chicken, vegetable broth for water, or fresh ginger and garlic instead of paste.
What other Indian dishes pair well with this chicken soup?
Serve it alongside plain basmati rice, jeera (cumin) rice, butter naan, or a side of spiced lentil dal for a complete meal. A simple cucumber raita also balances the warmth of the soup.
What makes this chicken soup special or unique in Indian cuisine?
The use of whole spices toasted in oil creates a fragrant base, while turmeric adds a golden hue and health‑boosting properties. Cooking it in a pressure cooker keeps the chicken tender and the broth clear in a short time.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chicken soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the onion until it burns, not browning the chicken enough, and releasing pressure too quickly which can cause splattering. Follow the sauté times and allow a short natural release for best results.
Why does this chicken soup recipe use a pressure cooker instead of simmering on the stove?
A pressure cooker reduces cooking time dramatically while locking in flavors and keeping the chicken moist. It also ensures the broth stays clear and the spices infuse quickly, which is harder to achieve with a long simmer.
Can I make this chicken soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day in advance. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Naziya Khan's Kitchen specialize in?
Naziya Khan's Kitchen focuses on easy, home‑style Indian recipes that are both tasty and health‑conscious. The channel often highlights quick meals, traditional flavors, and practical cooking tips for busy households.
How does the YouTube channel Naziya Khan's Kitchen's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Naziya Khan's Kitchen emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, time‑saving techniques like pressure cooking, and a balance between authentic flavors and modern health considerations, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate, festival‑style dishes.
What other Indian recipes is the YouTube channel Naziya Khan's Kitchen known for?
The channel is popular for recipes such as quick vegetable pulao, masala omelette, simple dal tadka, and healthy snack ideas like roasted chickpea chaat, all presented with clear step‑by‑step instructions.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
