High-Protein Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Chicken Quinoa Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for cozy days. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome quinoa, and fresh vegetables, it delivers satisfying flavor and warmth in every bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced chicken breast and rinsed quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the chicken is tender.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped spinach and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and finish by squeezing the juice of half a lemon into the soup. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during simmering and remove before serving.
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels more easily.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Quinoa may absorb more liquid upon standing, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add extra richness to the soup. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Is quinoa essential in this soup?
Quinoa adds protein and texture, but you can substitute with other grains like barley or brown rice if preferred. Cooking times may vary depending on the grain used.
PrintHigh-Protein Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe
This High-Protein Chicken Quinoa Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Packed with lean chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a comforting and healthy option that’s easy to prepare. The soup features tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon for brightness, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth infused with thyme and aromatic garlic and onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced carrot, then sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Add Broth, Chicken, and Quinoa: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced chicken breast and rinsed quinoa to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the soup.
- Add Lemon Juice and Serve: Finish the soup by stirring in the juice of half a lemon for a fresh, bright flavor. Serve the soup warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter or soapy.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering and removing it before serving.
Keywords: chicken quinoa soup, high protein soup, healthy chicken soup, gluten free soup, nutritious chicken soup, easy soup recipe
