What Does Chicken Broth Do for Colds? Unpacking the Science and Benefits

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, chicken broth has been a go-to remedy for the common cold. So, what does chicken broth do for colds, and is there any science to support this traditional folk remedy? Evidence suggests that its combination of warmth, hydration, and key nutrients offers genuine symptomatic relief for many people.

Quick Summary

Chicken broth helps combat cold symptoms by providing hydration and electrolytes, easing congestion with its warm steam, and supplying nutrients that bolster the immune system. Its anti-inflammatory effects can also help reduce general symptomatic discomfort and aid recovery.

Key Points

Hydration and Electrolytes: Replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost due to fever, sweating, and increased mucus production, which is critical for recovery.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Helps to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract by inhibiting neutrophil activity, which can ease congestion.
Mucus Thinning: Contains the amino acid cysteine, which helps loosen and thin mucus, promoting better drainage.
Congestion Relief: The steam from a warm bowl helps open up nasal passages and clear sinuses.
Immune System Support: Supplies vital vitamins, minerals, and protein needed for the immune system to fight off infection efficiently.
Digestive Comfort: The gelatin and amino acids from homemade broth can soothe and support the gut lining, which is beneficial when you have a sensitive stomach.
Nutrient Delivery: Provides an easy-to-digest source of calories and nutrients when a full meal is too difficult to manage.

The Science Behind the Comfort

While chicken broth isn't a miraculous cure for the common cold, modern research and anecdotal evidence confirm that it provides several key benefits for managing symptoms and supporting recovery. The comforting warmth and savory flavor are only part of the story; the real power lies in its biochemical properties and nutritional content.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

When you have a cold, inflammation in your respiratory tract causes much of the miserable congestion and stuffiness. A landmark 2000 study found that chicken soup could inhibit the movement of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the inflammatory response. By minimizing this inflammation, chicken broth helps to temporarily alleviate that stuffy, congested feeling in your nose and throat, making it easier to breathe.

Mucus Thinning

The chicken itself contains an amino acid called cysteine. A form of this, N-acetyl-cysteine, is known to have mucus-thinning properties. This means that consuming chicken broth can help to loosen thick secretions, encouraging the body to expel mucus and further relieving congestion. This effect is particularly pronounced when hot broth is consumed, as the steam also helps to open up nasal passages.

Superior Hydration

Staying hydrated is one of the most critical aspects of recovering from a cold, especially if you have a fever, are sweating, or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Broth-based liquids are an excellent source of fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which help the body replenish what it has lost. Unlike plain water, the added flavor and electrolytes in broth can make it more palatable and effective for maintaining hydration when your appetite is low.

Nutritional Powerhouse for Your Immune System

Beyond simple hydration, chicken broth provides a range of nutrients that support your body's immune response and overall health while you are sick.

Protein and Amino Acids: The simmering process extracts protein and amino acids from the chicken and bones. Protein is a fundamental building block for producing antibodies, which are essential for your immune system to fight off infection.
Vitamins and Minerals: When made with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, the broth is infused with immune-supporting vitamins A and C, along with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Gut Health: Homemade chicken broth, particularly bone broth, contains gelatin and collagen extracted from the bones and cartilage. These compounds help soothe and repair the lining of the digestive tract, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for immune function.

Broth vs. Chicken Soup: Which is Better?

While often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between clear chicken broth and a full chicken soup. For cold symptoms, both offer benefits, but their nutritional profiles differ.


Feature	Chicken Broth (Clear Liquid)	Chicken Soup (with solids)
Nutritional Density	Lower; contains minerals and some amino acids extracted from bones and vegetables.	Higher; includes significant protein from chicken meat and more vitamins from added vegetables and noodles.
Ease of Digestion	Easier; the clear liquid is gentle on a sensitive stomach, especially if you have low appetite or nausea.	Slightly heavier; contains solid ingredients that can be difficult to eat with a very low appetite.
Symptom Relief	Excellent for hydration, soothing a sore throat, and clearing congestion via steam.	Excellent for overall nourishment and symptomatic relief due to a wider range of ingredients..
Hydration	A great source of fluid and electrolytes.	Also great for hydration, with added nutritional bulk for energy.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Chicken Broth

To get the most out of your chicken broth when you're feeling unwell, consider these simple tips:

Make it Homemade: By making broth from scratch, you can control the ingredients and sodium content. Simmering chicken bones and vegetables for several hours extracts a higher concentration of beneficial minerals and gelatin.
Add Immune-Boosting Spices and Herbs: Incorporate ginger, garlic, turmeric, or a pinch of cayenne pepper into your broth. These ingredients have additional anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
Enjoy it Warm: Sip the broth while it's still warm to maximize the steam's ability to clear nasal passages and soothe your throat.
Choose Low-Sodium: If opting for a store-bought version, select a low-sodium product to avoid excessive salt intake, which can counteract some of the hydrating effects.

Conclusion: The Comforting Remedy that Works

So, what does chicken broth do for colds? While not a definitive cure, it is an effective and comforting dietary aid for managing cold symptoms. By providing essential hydration and electrolytes, thinning mucus, offering anti-inflammatory properties, and delivering vital nutrients, it helps your body's immune system function optimally. The ritual of sipping a warm bowl can also provide a significant psychological boost, reducing stress and making recovery feel less miserable. Next time you feel a cold coming on, a nourishing mug of chicken broth is a scientifically-backed and time-honored way to feel better.

For more information on the effects of chicken soup during sickness, visit MedlinePlus: Chicken soup and sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, chicken broth does not cure a cold, which is caused by a virus. However, it is an effective remedy for managing and alleviating the symptoms, providing comfort and supporting your body's natural healing process.

While homemade broth often contains higher concentrations of minerals and gelatin, store-bought broth still offers valuable hydration and warmth. When using store-bought, it is best to choose a low-sodium option and consider adding fresh vegetables and spices for an extra nutrient boost.

Broth is a clear liquid made by simmering meat and vegetables. Chicken soup contains the broth base but also includes solid ingredients like meat, noodles, and extra vegetables, offering more calories and a higher nutritional density.

The steam from the warm liquid helps to open up nasal passages and thin mucus, providing temporary relief from congestion. It also has a soothing effect on a sore throat.

To enhance the effects, add fresh ginger, garlic, onions, and turmeric. These have additional anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can further support your immune system.

Research suggests that compounds found in chicken broth can inhibit the movement of certain white blood cells (neutrophils) that cause inflammation, thereby helping to reduce the stuffiness and discomfort associated with a cold.

While water is vital, chicken broth offers more. It provides essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are lost when you're sick. The flavor also makes it more palatable, encouraging you to consume more fluids to stay hydrated.