Broth bowls have become the new viral food sensation. And here at Clean, this is one food trend we can get behind. That's why we created our own cleanse-approved version of the popular dish: this curry chicken broth bowl.

It has all the components of classic broth bowls but is packed with anti-inflammatory, gut-loving ingredients. It’s perfect for those cleansing with Clean 7 or Clean 21. But you don’t need to be doing a reset to enjoy this recipe!

Whether you want to nourish your gut, boost your immune system, or simply enjoy a delicious, slurp-worthy meal on a cozy night, this broth bowl has it all.

What is a Broth Bowl?

A broth bowl is a warm, comforting meal similar to soup, but deconstructed. Think of it like a cross between a grain bowl and a hearty soup. 

As the name suggests, the foundation of this dish is a rich, flavorful broth. Recipes vary, but coconut milk, miso, bone broth, and curry paste are all popular ingredients. 

From there, add a starch for structure, such as rice or noodles, a protein source, and a veggie, and voila! You have a delicious, nourishing meal that’s loaded with flavor, texture, and nutrition. 

Our Clean Take on the Viral Broth Bowls

Many broth bowl recipes call for white rice or curry paste, neither of which are allowed on the Clean Elimination Diet. 

While flavorful, curry paste often includes red chilies, a type of nightshade. Since some people are sensitive to nightshades, they’re left out during the elimination phase of Clean 7 and Clean 21. White rice is also not recommended while cleansing. Because it’s stripped of its fiber and germ, it tends to raise glucose faster than whole grains. 

Fortunately, you can still enjoy that same brothy goodness, with better-for-you ingredients. Here’s a look at what’s in this broth bowl:

Anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting spices

Instead of store-bought curry paste, we’ve made our own with a mix of garlic, ginger, curry powder, coriander, and cumin. These spices give the broth a rich, savory flavor. But they deliver some impressive health benefits, too.

Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.1 When you chop or crush fresh garlic, it produces allicin, a sulfur compound that helps fight bacteria and other microbes. Research suggests garlic may help support immune health and reduce the risk of catching a cold.2

Ginger contains antioxidant compounds that combat free radicals and may help lower inflammation.3 Together, garlic and ginger make a powerful pair, especially as we head deeper into cold and flu season. And this broth bowl contains a full tablespoon of each!

Savory bone broth for gut support

The star of this broth is Savory Bone Broth, our new protein powder. Unlike Daily Shake, it’s made to be sipped like a broth or stirred into soups, sauces, or savory recipes like this one. Each scoop pairs 15 grams of collagen protein with a grass-fed bovine broth base, along with organic greens, roots, and functional mushrooms for immune and cognitive support. 

Collagen and bone broth provide amino acids such as glycine and proline that help maintain a healthy gut barrier.4 That makes this bowl a delicious way to add more protein to your day while supporting your gut.

Broccolini and brown rice add fiber

Brown rice anchors this broth bowl. Since it’s a whole grain, it retains its bran and germ. That means more fiber, magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins than white rice, and a lower glycemic index.

Broccolini, a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, is also a good source of fiber, which is essential for gut health. It helps bulk up stools, promotes regularity, and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. And seven stalks of broccolini provide about 4 grams of fiber, or roughly 14% of the daily value, for just 30 calories. Pair that fiber with the protein from the chicken and collagen, and you have a satisfying dish that’ll keep you full.

How to Make a Curry Chicken Broth Bowl

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown rice

For chicken:

• 1 large chicken breast (about 10 ounces)
• 1 tsp avocado oil
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp curry powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Pinch of pepper
  

For broccolini:

• 1 bunch broccolini
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Salt and pepper

For broth:

• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 scoop Savory Bone Broth
• 1 cup hot water
• 3 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice (about ½ medium lime)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425° F. While the oven heats, cook the brown rice in a small saucepan according to package instructions. 

2. Place the chicken breast in a medium bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to coat the chicken well with seasoning on both sides. Place chicken in a baking dish lined with parchment paper, and cook for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.  

3. While the chicken cooks, wash the broccolini, pat dry, and spread it out in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the avocado oil evenly over the stalks and use your hands to coat them thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add to the oven with the chicken, cooking on a separate rack. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until broccolini is tender and slightly charred. 

4. Prepare the broth while the chicken and broccolini continue cooking. Heat the avocado oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, coriander, cumin, and pepper. Stir with a spatula for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the coconut milk, whisk until well combined, and reduce heat to low.

6. Add a scoop of Savory Bone Broth to a mug with one cup of hot water. Stir well until no clumps remain. 

7. Add the Savory Bone Broth to the pan, along with the coconut aminos, rice wine vinegar, and lime juice. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, whisking frequently, to allow flavors to meld. 

8. Once the chicken has cooked and cooled enough to touch, cut it into slices. Set aside while you assemble the broth bowls. 

9. To assemble the bowls, divide the brown rice into two shallow bowls (see recipe note below for rice mold tip). Carefully pour the broth around the rice, dividing it equally among the bowls. Add the broccolini and chicken slices over the broth. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a lime wedge, or sesame seeds, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Variations

• DIY rice mold: To form neat little mounds of rice like in the photos, spray two small bowls or ramekins with coconut oil cooking spray. Divide the rice evenly between the bowls and use a fork to press down firmly. Then, carefully flip the mold over into your bowl. 
• Mix it up: This broth bowl is extremely versatile, so feel free to get creative. Swap the brown rice for quinoa or wild rice, or the broccolini for cauliflower, broccoli florets, baby bok choy, cabbage, or kale. The possibilities are endless!
• Add some spice: Prefer some heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes before serving (if not cleansing).

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like this Turmeric Chicken Soup or Immune Boosting Ramen.

Recipe and photography by Mindy Palmer

Sources:

1. Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds | PMC
2. Garlic for the common cold | PMC
3. A critical review of Ginger’s (Zingiber officinale) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities | PMC
4. Bone Broth Benefits: How Its Nutrients Fortify Gut Barrier in Health and Disease | PubMed