Herbal Chicken Soup Recipe I: Energy and Blood
When the weather cools down or your energy feels low, nothing compares to a slow-cooked pot of Herbal Chicken Soup. This recipe combines the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern home cooking, using a carefully balanced mix of Herbal Craft herbs like Jujube, Cordyceps Flower, Astragalus, Angelica Root, and more.
The result? A broth that’s not only delicious but also deeply nourishing for body, mind, and spirit.
Why Herbal Chicken Soup?
Herbal soups are more than comfort food—they’re functional recipes. Each herb brings its own unique benefits:
- Jujube (Red Dates): Natural sweetness that promotes blood flow.
- Poria: Supports digestion and balances excess dampness.
- Cordyceps Flower: Revitalises lung health and boosts energy.
- Ophiopogon Root: Moistens dryness and nourishes yin.
- Astragalus: Famous for strengthening immunity and restoring vitality.
- Ficus Root: A gentle tonic for fatigue and circulation.
- Angelica Root (Dang Gui): Blood-nourishing, restoring vitality, and especially supportive for women’s health.
Together, these herbs create a winning soup that warms from within, supporting immunity, energy, and overall wellbeing.
Herbal Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
- 1 whole chicken ~1.5kg (washed and cleaned)
- Herbal Craft soup herbs:
- Jujube (red dates) x3-5 dates
- Poria x6-10 cubes or 6-10g
- Cordyceps flower x 15g (a good handful)
- Ophiopogon root x5g
- Astragalus x3-5 slices or 10-15g
- Ficus root x10g
-
Angelica root x2-3 slices or 6-10g
- 3–5 fresh ginger slices
- Salt, to taste (add later when serving)
- Water (enough to cover the chicken in the pot)
Method:
- Weigh out herbs into a plate and set aside.
- Wash and clean the whole chicken; place in a large stock pot.
- Add ginger slices and fill with water until the chicken is fully covered.
- Bring to a boil on high heat; simmer for a few minutes and remove any scum.
- Reduce to medium heat; add the herbs and cook for 10 minutes.
- Lower heat and slow cook gently for up to 5 hours.
- Add salt to taste before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Herbal Soup
- Make it richer: Add shiitake mushrooms or goji berries for extra depth.
- Meal prep hack: Freeze portions for easy reheating on busy days. Take out the chicken after cooking and portion it separately. The breast pieces can be used in sandwiches.
- Personalise it: Adjust the herbs based on your needs e.g. more Astragalus for immunity, more Angelica Root for blood nourishment. Or even add others of your own preferences like Hawthorn or Longan.
- Serve it for many use cases: make noodles with the chicken soup or use it as broth to braise other meats and veggies or make clay pot rice.
A Bowl of Tradition, Reimagined
This Herbal Chicken Soup isn’t just about flavour it’s about reconnecting with tradition in a way that fits modern living. Whether you’re feeling run down, looking to strengthen your immunity, or simply craving comfort, this recipe is food as medicine, simplified.
✨ Try it at home and taste the difference Herbal Craft herbs make.
👉 Browse our curated herbs and start your own journey to everyday wellness.
Let us know how you go with your soup!
Check out more in this Instagram post.
