Comforting Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

There’s something inherently soothing about a bowl of Chicken Quinoa Soup, isn’t there? Picture this: a steaming bowl filled to the brim with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fluffy quinoa swimming in a savory broth that wraps around you like a warm hug. With each spoonful, you can almost hear the soup whispering sweet nothings of comfort and nourishment. This delightful dish is not just food; it’s an experience that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven.

Now, let’s be honest—who doesn’t need a little extra comfort in their life? Whether you’re recovering from a chilly day or just looking for a nourishing meal that checks all the boxes (flavor, health, and ease), this Chicken Quinoa Soup is your go-to. It’s perfect for family dinners, lunch prep for the week, or even when you’re feeling too lazy to whip up anything complicated. Trust me; this recipe is as easy as pie… or should I say soup!

Ingredients for Chicken Quinoa Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; adjust based on how hungry your family is.
• Quinoa: Use rinsed quinoa for the best texture; it cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the tasty broth.
• Carrots: Slice them thinly so they cook quickly and add sweetness to the soup.
• Celery: Diced celery brings crunch and freshness—just like your favorite sitcom character who always lightens the mood.
• Garlic: A few minced cloves will give your soup the aromatic depth it deserves.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping those flavors bold.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): They brighten up the dish like confetti at a birthday party!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Quinoa Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your carrots and celery while mincing garlic. Rinse quinoa under cold water until it runs clear—it’s like giving it a spa day before cooking!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place your chicken breasts inside and season with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot (because who wants more dishes?), add garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they soften—around 4-5 minutes should do it! Your kitchen should now smell heavenly.

Step 4: Add Broth and Quinoa

Pour in your chicken broth while scraping any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot (those bits have flavor!). Bring it to a gentle boil before adding rinsed quinoa.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

While waiting for quinoa to cook (approximately 15 minutes), shred your chicken with two forks—voila! You’ve transformed plain chicken into tender shreds of joy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once quinoa is fluffy and cooked through, stir back in those shredded chicken pieces along with fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (maybe sneak in some extra thyme because why not?).

Transfer to bowls and garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy your cozy Chicken Quinoa Soup that warms you from head to toe!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make your chicken quinoa soup shine, start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors. While that sizzles, chop your veggies and cook the quinoa separately. Finally, combine everything in a pot for a harmonious blend of deliciousness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your chicken quinoa soup! Swap in different veggies like spinach or carrots, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, or toss in some beans for an extra protein punch. Spice it up with your favorite herbs!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover chicken quinoa soup, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Sometimes, I whip up this chicken quinoa soup when I’m feeling under the weather. My friends swear it’s my secret remedy — who knew comfort food could also come with healing powers?

FAQs :

What is Chicken Quinoa Soup?

Chicken Quinoa Soup is a nutritious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, protein-packed quinoa, and a medley of vegetables. This soup is not only filling but also rich in vitamins and minerals. It serves as a perfect meal for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying delicious flavors. The combination of ingredients makes it an excellent choice for any time of year, whether you need comfort food on a cold day or a light yet satisfying meal.

How do I store Chicken Quinoa Soup?

To store Chicken Quinoa Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, ensure that the soup reaches a temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee food safety. Remember that the quinoa may absorb some liquid when stored, so you might need to add a little broth or water when reheating.

Can I make Chicken Quinoa Soup in advance?

Yes! Making Chicken Quinoa Soup in advance is an excellent idea. It allows the flavors to develop even more over time. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Additionally, this soup freezes well, making it easy to have a healthy meal ready whenever you need one. Just remember to adjust the seasoning slightly after thawing, as flavors can change during freezing.

What variations can I try with Chicken Quinoa Soup?

There are many delicious variations you can try with Chicken Quinoa Soup! For instance, you could add different vegetables like kale or spinach for added nutrients. Spicing it up with chili powder or adding herbs such as thyme can enhance the flavor profile significantly. You might also consider swapping out chicken for turkey or even using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion for Chicken Quinoa Soup :

In summary, Chicken Quinoa Soup is a delightful blend of health and taste. With its combination of lean chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables, this soup offers nourishment and satisfaction. It’s easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re storing leftovers or making it in advance, this recipe provides flexibility that fits any busy lifestyle. Enjoy this comforting dish knowing it’s packed with nutrients!

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Chicken Quinoa Soup

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up with a delightful bowl of Chicken Quinoa Soup, brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy quinoa in a savory broth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup rinsed quinoa
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice carrots and celery and mince garlic. Rinse quinoa under cold water until it runs clear.
2. 2. Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from pot and set aside.
3. 3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (around 4–5 minutes).
4. 4. Add Broth and Quinoa: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil before adding rinsed quinoa.
5. 5. Shred Chicken: While waiting for quinoa to cook (approximately 15 minutes), shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
6. 6. Combine Everything: Once quinoa is fluffy and cooked through, stir in shredded chicken and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve garnished with parsley.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding leftover vegetables or beans for extra protein. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for chickpeas or use vegetable broth.