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This cleansing paleo Thai inspired vegetable chicken detox soup features a balanced flavor profile and is packed with nutrition.
After all the making merry that goes on during the holiday season, most of us could probably use a little TLC in the form of nutrition.
After even just a couple days of less conscious eating (read: junk food indulging!) I find that I’m noticeably less energetic, more bloated, and less able to focus.
I don’t like to beat myself up over it, because that just leads to a bad relationship with food. And let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that.
But I do like to make it up to myself by putting extra effort into my nutrition in the following week or two.
Salads are an easy surefire way to pack in loads of nutrient-dense foods! However, in the winter months I need something warming. Soup is an equally fabulous method for loading up on healthy foods.
The Thai Inspiration for This Soup
This soup uses a few Thai ingredients to give it a balanced flavor profile.
Coconut cream adds subtle natural sweetness. Coconut aminos (or soy sauce if you prefer) lends saltiness. Fish sauce gives an umami flavor. And apple cider vinegar and fresh lime bring tartness.
The resulting flavor profile is very well balanced, and this soup has a rich heartiness without being overly heavy.
Detox Ingredients Explained in This Vegetable Chicken Detox Soup
One of the things I love most about soup (and salad, for that matter) is the fact that it’s a great way to clean out the fridge. Any veggie you have on hand is likely to work!
That was definitely the case here too. I utilized what I had on hand, but I was a little more methodical than just tossing everything into a pot and hoping for the best.
With this recipe, I chose ingredients that would pack a huge punch when it comes to detox power!
Let’s talk for a quick minute about the components of this soup:
- Carrots are rich in glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant and is important in immune function. (Everyday Health)
- Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene that helps the body flush out free radicals. (Waller Wellness Center)
- Garlic is high in vitamin C and helps support liver function. (LIVESTRONG)
- Organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (the stuff with “the mother”) helps to alkalize the body (Healthy Bliss) and can help the body absorb minerals from foods like leafy greens (David Wolfe).
- Turmeric contains curcumin which stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which the liver uses to remove toxins (and heads-up, don’t skip the black pepper in this recipe because it helps the body absorb turmeric!). (Healthline)
- Parsley acts as a diuretic, helping the body to naturally reduce bloating. (Step to Health)
- Cilantro helps remove heavy metals from the body. (Underground Health Reporter)
- Coconut oil helps your body absorb the vitamins in the veggies. (Dr. Axe)
- And let’s not forget that this soup is full of fiber to help your body eliminate waste!
Special Diet Friendly
This chicken detox soup is naturally paleo and gluten free.
More Healthy Recipes to Try
- Beet and Carrot Salad with Pomegranate and Pumpkin Seeds
- Green Detox Stir Fry
- Apple Walnut Rainbow Swiss Chard Salad
- Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup
- Cleansing Garlicky Baby Bok Choy Soup
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Thai Inspired Vegetable Chicken Detox Soup (Paleo)
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cubed or shredded
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
- 5.4 fluid ounce can coconut cream or substitute canned full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 large stalks celery chopped
- 1 medium-large onion chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 2 inch piece fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups baby kale
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 6 fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a 5-quart pot over medium-high to high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until starting to brown.
- Add the stock, tomatoes, coconut cream, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, coconut aminos, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Bring up to a boil, and then cover the pot, turn the heat down, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the kale, continuing to stir until it’s wilted, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the vinegar, parsley, and cilantro. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge into each serving of soup. Serve.
Notes
- Net Carbs: 12g per serving
- Storage: Store this soup refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on January 2, 2017. It was updated with more information and photos on December 31, 2020.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am NOT a doctor, medical practitioner, or nutritionist of any kind. Nothing in this post should be construed as medical or nutrition advice. The information about the ingredients in this soup were sourced from the pages that I linked to for each item; please head over to each page for more detailed information. If you need medical advice you should immediately seek a physician’s care.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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Beautiful! The first meal after our heavy Italian Christmas dinner was a Chicken Tortilla Soup, minus the tortillas! I crave soups like this.. I’ll have to try this coconut Thai infused recipe!
Just beautiful styling and those bowls are killer. The soup too of course, but you know! What do the coconut aminos do exactly? Thanks Faith. :)
Kevin, Thanks so much! I got those bowls at an outdoor bazaar-type market in Kuwait from an Iranian vendor; they are some of my favorite pieces from there. :) The coconut aminos is basically a paleo-friendly version of soy or tamari sauce, so if that’s what you have on hand, it’s fine to substitute. Hope the new year is off to a great start for you, my friend!
Happy New Year, Faith! I love this soup – perfect for a healthy fresh start to the new year!
This is EXACTLY the kind of thing I’m craving right now – love that it’s absolutely loaded with veggies and I’m always up for Thai flavors. Perfect way to start the year!
I could 200% use some clean eating after the holidays and am always up for soup!! Loving the Thai spin and the fact that this meal is so nice and well-rounded. I can’t think of anything more cozy!!