Picture a steaming bowl of Chicken Quinoa Soup, where the savory aroma of simmering broth mingles with the earthy scent of thyme.
This comforting soup isn’t only simple to make but also a cozy favorite, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
As the chicken, vegetables, and quinoa meld together, the flavors transform into something heartwarming and nourishing.
Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking Chicken Quinoa Soup, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation Activities (15 minutes):
- Reading the Recipe (3 minutes): Start by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather Ingredients and Equipment (5 minutes): Collect all necessary ingredients and equipment, including the large pot, cutting board, chef’s knife, wooden spoon, measuring cup, and ladle.
- Chop and Prep Ingredients (7 minutes):
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Slice the carrots and celery.
- Dice the chicken breast.
- Rinse the quinoa.
Cooking Activities (30 minutes):
- Heat Olive Oil (1 minute): Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic (3 minutes): Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Cook Carrots and Celery (3 minutes): Add carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Brown Chicken (5 minutes): Stir in diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned.
- Combine Quinoa (2 minutes): Add rinsed quinoa to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add Broth and Seasonings (2 minutes): Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Soup (20 minutes): Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Lemon Juice (2 minutes): Add chopped spinach and lemon juice, stirring until spinach is wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning (1 minute): Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving:
1. Serve Soup (2 minutes): Use a ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until onion is translucent.
Add carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften.
Stir in diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned.
Add rinsed quinoa to the pot and stir to combine.
Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add chopped spinach and lemon juice, stirring until spinach is wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot with a ladle into bowls.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for an added savory touch.
- Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado slices for a creamy and nutritious boost.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a revitalizing and balanced meal.
Storage
To store Chicken Quinoa Soup, let it cool.
Then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Quinoa Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months for ideal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Quinoa Soup, gently warm on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Make sure it’s heated through evenly.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Quinoa Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings together the wholesome flavors of chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables.
It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit personal preferences, whether that means adding more vegetables or incorporating different herbs.
For those looking to make a meal in under an hour, this soup is an excellent choice with its quick prep and cook times.
Additionally, its ingredients provide a balanced meal, rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a light dinner, Chicken Quinoa Soup is sure to satisfy and nourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Chicken With a Plant-Based Protein?
You can substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu. Sauté them until golden for texture. Choose firm tofu for better flavor absorption. Adjust seasoning for balance, adding soy sauce or nutritional yeast for depth.
Is Quinoa Necessary, or Can I Use a Different Grain?
You don’t have to use quinoa; try using couscous or barley for a different texture. Make certain it’s cooked properly. Adjust liquid amounts accordingly. Consider flavor balance; each grain can alter the soup’s taste and consistency.
What Can I Use as a Low-Sodium Alternative for Chicken Broth?
You can use homemade vegetable broth by simmering onions, carrots, and celery with herbs for depth. Add nutritional yeast for umami. Choose low-sodium store-bought options if necessary, and always taste to balance flavors.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Sauté them with the onions to release flavors. You can also garnish with red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili for an extra spicy kick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
You can definitely add other vegetables! Try sourcing fresh bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch. Balance flavors by adjusting seasonings. Consider roasted red peppers for depth or kale for added nutrients. Be creative and taste often!
Chicken Quinoa Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Stir in diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned.
- Add rinsed quinoa to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach and lemon juice, stirring until spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with a ladle into bowls.
Notes
