When cold and flu season arrives, I turn to this super immune-boosting chicken soup. It’s nourishing, comforting, and filled with ingredients that actively support your body’s defenses. Garlic, onions, and ginger provide phytochemicals with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Astragalus root, a time-honored immune tonic and gentle adaptogen, helps build resilience, while shiitake mushrooms supply beta-glucans that naturally modulate immune function. The rich chicken broth offers easily absorbed minerals and amino acids to restore and replenish. Feel free to add whatever vegetables you have on hand—diced yams or winter squash add sweetness and depth, while finely chopped hot peppers bring a little heat. You can also swap the napa cabbage for green or savoy cabbage with equally delicious results.
Ingredients
1
whole chicken
(4 to 5 pounds)
16 cups
water
1 medium
onions
chopped
3
celery stalks
chopped
2
carrots
chopped
5
shiitake mushrooms
chopped
1 heads
garlic
cut in half cross-wise
3 inches
fresh ginger
chopped
2 tablespoons
astragalus root
1 teaspoons
whole black peppercorns
1
lemongrass stalks
chopped
(optional)
1 tablespoons
sea salt
1 medium
onions
chopped
3
carrots
sliced
4
celery stalks
chopped
2 cups
thinly sliced
shiitake mushrooms
1 large
red bell peppers
2 teaspoons
grated
fresh ginger
1 teaspoons
crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups
thinly sliced
napa cabbage
1 cups
chopped
cilantro