Shredded Chicken Kale Ginger Soup
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
A warming broth loaded with shredded chicken, tender kale and fresh ginger — a light, protein-rich soup that keeps you full.
A warming broth loaded with shredded chicken, tender kale and fresh ginger — a light, protein-rich soup that keeps you full.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 120g boneless skinless chicken breast
- 🫗 2 cups (80g) curly kale, stemmed and chopped
- 🫗 2 cups (500ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 🫗 1 small carrot, sliced
- 🫗 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 🫗 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 🫗 1 clove garlic, minced
- 🫗 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
- 🫗 Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
Add the chicken breast and poach for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
Remove the chicken, let it rest briefly, then shred it with two forks.
Add the onion, carrot, garlic, ginger and turmeric to the broth and simmer for 8 minutes.
Stir in the kale and shredded chicken, and cook for 3-4 minutes more until tender.
Season with salt and pepper, then ladle into a bowl.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Boiling the chicken hard, which makes it tough and stringy.
- ✕
Adding kale too early, turning it mushy and olive-green.
- ✕
Salting before tasting, since the broth can already be quite seasoned.
🔄 Variations
Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard.
Add shiitake mushrooms for an earthy, umami flavor.
Stir in a spoonful of miso or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Keeps in the fridge for 3 days in an airtight container.
- 📦
Freezes well for up to 1 month; reheat gently on the stove.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Poach the chicken gently at a bare simmer so it stays juicy and shreds easily.
Tip 2: Add the kale at the very end so it keeps a little bite.
Tip 3: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick post-shift meal.
❓ FAQ
Why is ginger in the soup? It is warming, aromatic and a classic detox flavor that brightens the light broth.
How many calories per bowl? About 300, mostly from the chicken, with 38g of protein.
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, skip the poaching step and add the shredded meat at the end to warm through.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →