Gluten Free Ginger & Turmeric Chicken Pho-Style Soup
Few bowls hit as deeply as a steaming, fragrant pho-style soup, and this one delivers all that soul-warming comfort without a single grain of wheat in sight. The magic starts with charring the onion, garlic, and fresh ginger directly in a dry pot — that step alone builds a smoky, caramelized depth that makes the broth taste like it simmered all day. Ground turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, and whole cloves layer in warmth and complexity, while coconut aminos stand in for traditional soy sauce, keeping everything naturally free of gluten without sacrificing that savory, umami backbone. Instead of rice noodles, spiralized zucchini ribbons take their place in the bowl — the hot broth poured right over them softens the ribbons just enough while keeping a satisfying bite. Shredded bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks give the meat incredible richness and texture, and the fresh finish of cilantro, Thai basil, scallions, and a squeeze of lime makes every spoonful bright and alive. It's the kind of recipe that feels like a restaurant-level project but comes together in a single pot with straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients — no specialty substitutes required.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the broth
- 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 8 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For the bowls
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized or peeled into wide ribbons
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup fresh thai basil or regular basil leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
Set a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Place the onion halves and garlic head cut-side down directly in the dry pot, along with the ginger halves. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until the cut surfaces are deeply charred and fragrant.
- 2
Add the chicken pieces, bone broth, turmeric, ground ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, and cloves to the pot. Pour in enough water to fully submerge the chicken if needed (up to 2 additional cups). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.
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