Welcome to my vibrant kitchen, where Jamaican traditions meet comfort and flavor! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Jamaican chicken soup, a dish known for its immune-boosting properties and heartwarming taste. Whether you’re under the weather or craving something cozy, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a medley of healing spices, it nourishes the body and soothes the soul. Let’s get started!

Ingredients (with Measurements)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, nutrient-packed soup:

• 1 large onion, diced
  Forms the flavor base of the soup.
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
  Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 cup celery, chopped
  Provides a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
  Enhances the depth of flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Known for its immune-boosting properties.
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  Adds a warm, spicy kick.
• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  Infuses the broth with rich flavor.
• 1 bay leaf
  For a subtle aromatic touch.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  It is a natural anti-inflammatory and adds a golden hue.
• ½ teaspoon ground Scotch bonnet pepper (or to taste)
  For a little Caribbean heat!
• 1 cup garden peas
  Adds sweetness and energy.
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
  Classic Jamaican herb for authentic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  Enhances all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  For sautéing the vegetables.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that we have our ingredients ready let’s cook! Here’s how to make this delicious soup:

Chop and Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, chopping the carrots, celery, and leek, and mincing the garlic. These fresh ingredients will form the base of your soup. Don’t worry if the onions make you teary-eyed—it’s all part of the process!

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, leek, and sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of your soup.

Add the Chicken

Place the whole chicken into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. The chicken will infuse the broth with its rich flavor, creating a hearty base.

Spice It Up

Add the bay leaf, grated ginger, and turmeric powder to the pot. These ingredients add depth of flavor and bring powerful health benefits.

Let It Simmer

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the chicken is fully cooked. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the soup. This ensures every spoonful is packed with tender, flavorful chicken.

Add the Finishing Touches

Toss in the fresh thyme, garden peas, and a sprinkle of ground Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir well and season with sea salt to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Your Jamaican chicken soup is ready to serve! Enjoy it with:

• A slice of warm, crusty bread
• Jamaican water crackers
• Or simply on its own

This soup is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for lifting your spirits on a chilly day

Why This Soup is So Special

This isn’t just any chicken soup—it’s a Jamaican classic steeped in tradition. Often referred to as “Jewish penicillin,” this soup is celebrated for boosting the immune system and warming the soul. Its combination of fresh ingredients, healing spices like turmeric and ginger, and a touch of Scotch bonnet pepper make it both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

In Jamaica, chicken soup is often made for family gatherings or when someone needs a little extra care. It’s a dish passed down through generations, bringing people together with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.