Fermented Kefir Herb Chicken Soup

A comforting chicken soup with tangy kefir and fragrant herbs for everyday gut-friendly nourishment.

Fermented Foods Probiotic Rich High Protein
80%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

Your Microbiome Match

Connect your microbiome test results to see how this recipe matches your personal gut profile.

—
Microbiome match
🔐
Unlock your personal microbiome match

Log in or create an account to connect your test results and personalize recipe recommendations.

Recipe description

Warm, savory, and gently tangy, this Fermented Kefir Herb Chicken Soup brings a fermented-food element to a balanced everyday meal. Kefir adds creamy richness, while a generous mix of herbs contributes plant diversity and naturally occurring polyphenols. Chicken provides satisfying protein, making the soup comforting and practical for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it as part of a varied eating pattern that includes fiber-rich plants and other prebiotic foods throughout the day. Simple, nourishing, and easy to fold into gut-conscious cooking.

September 29, 2026
Fermented Kefir Herb Chicken Soup
Prep 15 min Cook 25 min Medium

Alignment with Your Personal Profile

Create a free account to see how well this recipe aligns with your diets, allergies, intolerances and selected health topics.

--
Overall
🔒
Unlock your personal recipe match

Create a free account and complete a short profile to replace these placeholders with your personal recipe scores.

✓ Save diets and preferences ✓ Check allergies and intolerances ✓ Match recipes to gut goals ✓ Save better recipe recommendations
Takes about 2 minutes.
2-minute self-check Is a gut microbiome test useful for you? Answer a few quick questions and find out if a microbiome test is actually useful for you. ✔ Takes 2 minutes ✔ Based on your symptoms & lifestyle ✔ Clear yes/no recommendation Check if a test is right for me

Why this recipe fits you

  • Provides protein from chicken alongside vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.
  • Includes onion, garlic, carrot, celery, herbs, and olive oil for plant diversity and polyphenols.
  • Kefir adds a fermented-food element and creamy tang without added sugar.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
56
🍇 Polyphenol density
68
🧬 Diversity support
67
🛡️ Inflammation support
78
🫧 Fermentation support
78
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
84

Ingredients

Chicken, breast
300 gram
Chicken, breast
Kefir
150 ml
Kefir
Chicken soup
750 ml
Chicken soup
Onion
1 piece
Onion
Garlic
2 clove
Garlic
Carrot
2 piece
Carrot
Celery
1 piece
Celery
Oil, olive
1 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Fresh herbs
3 tablespoon
Fresh herbs
Thyme
1 teaspoon
Thyme
Bay leaf
1 piece
Bay leaf
Salt
1 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.5 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Dice the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.

2

Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

3

Add carrot and celery; cook for 3-4 minutes.

4

Add chicken breast and pour in chicken soup. Bring to a simmer.

5

Add bay leaf and thyme; simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked.

6

Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.

7

Remove from heat, stir in kefir, and season with salt and pepper.

8

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Nutrition

390 kcal Calories
39 g Protein
19 g Carbohydrates
4 g Fiber
8 g Sugar
17 g Fat
4 g Saturated fat
2.5 g Salt

FAQ

How many servings does this chicken soup make?
The recipe makes 2 servings.
How long does the soup take to prepare?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to simmer, plus a few minutes for chopping and shredding.
When should I add the kefir?
Add the kefir after removing the soup from the heat. Stir it in gently to reduce the chance of curdling.
Can I boil the soup after adding kefir?
No. Avoid boiling the soup after adding kefir, as high heat can make it separate or become grainy.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 75°C in the thickest part.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes. Add shredded, fully cooked chicken near the end and simmer briefly until it is heated through.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes. Use a smaller amount of dried herbs because they have a more concentrated flavor, and add them during simmering.
How should I store leftover soup?
Cool it promptly, refrigerate it in a covered container, and use it within 2–3 days. Reheat thoroughly without boiling.
Is this soup suitable for someone avoiding dairy?
No. Kefir is a dairy product. Use a suitable unsweetened dairy-free alternative only if its flavor and texture work for the recipe.

Your Gut Has a Story. Read It — Then Fix Potential Problems

Full microbiome sequencing + Gut Health Index. Metabolic pathways, diversity, keystone species. Personalized plans available (diet, supplements, diary, recipes). EU lab + Maastricht University spin-off + GDPR-safe.

Start My Gut Test