If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. This soul-soothing soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and protein-packed quinoa in a flavorful broth that’s as comforting as it is wholesome. Perfect for any day you want to eat well without fuss, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that work beautifully in harmony to boost your energy and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one adding a vital layer of flavor, texture, and nourishment. From the rich, savory chicken broth to the fresh, crisp vegetables, every component plays a delicious role.
- Olive oil: Provides a fruity base and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of warmth and depth that makes the broth irresistible.
- Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down.
- Dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal note that ties the soup together.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color to the mix.
- Celery: Adds freshness and a wonderful aromatic base.
- Chicken breast: The lean protein star that becomes tender and shreddable in the broth.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Introduce bright acidity and richness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and gives a lovely depth to the soup’s color.
- Red wine vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a subtle tanginess.
- Quinoa: A powerhouse grain that adds a delightful texture and extra protein.
- Chicken broth: Creates the comforting, savory liquid base.
- Kale: Packs in vitamins and a gorgeous pop of green with a slightly bitter balance.
- Salt + pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, and dried thyme, cooking and stirring for about two minutes until everything smells fragrant and just starting to soften. This builds the foundational taste that will carry throughout the soup.
Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery for Color and Crunch
Next, stir in the chopped carrots and celery. Cook them for five minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to develop and their texture to soften slightly while maintaining a bit of bite.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Key Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts right on top of the vegetables in the pot. Then add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, uncooked quinoa, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste. Give everything a good stir, crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil—this is where the magic starts to happen.
Step 4: Simmer and Let Flavors Develop
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes—this slow simmer cooks the chicken through, softens quinoa, and lets all the flavors marry beautifully. Tip: while you wait, wash and prep your kale for the next step.
Step 5: Remove and Shred the Chicken
When the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove the breasts carefully and place them on a cutting board to rest. This brief pause ensures juicy, tender chicken that’s easy to shred.
Step 6: Add the Kale to the Soup
Stir the torn kale leaves directly into the pot of simmering soup. The hot broth will wilt the greens just enough to keep their texture and vibrant color, boosting the soup’s nutrition and flavor.
Step 7: Shred Chicken and Return to Pot
Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces on the cutting board. Then fold the shredded chicken back into the pot. Give everything a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and turn off the heat. Your Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe is ready to enjoy piping hot!
How to Serve Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
For a boost of freshness, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a beautiful finishing touch, turning this soup into a dish that delights all your senses.
Side Dishes
This soup shines bright on its own but is lovely alongside crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad. The crunchy texture and mild flavors of a green salad complement the hearty soup perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a hearty family dinner or a cozy gathering, serve the soup in rustic bowls topped with grated Parmesan or toasted nuts for extra texture. You could also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a charming, edible presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick, nourishing meals any time.
Freezing
This soup freezes very well thanks to hearty ingredients like quinoa, chicken, and vegetables. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. It’s a fantastic way to have a wholesome meal ready on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa adds wonderful protein and texture, you can substitute it with rice, barley, or even small pasta shapes depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it keeps well and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
You can, but add it only after the soup is done cooking to prevent drying it out. Simply shred and stir in just before serving.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup is mild by default, but you can easily customize the heat level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
What if I don’t like kale?
No problem! You can swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or any leafy green you prefer. Just add it towards the end so it doesn’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
Give the Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe a try and discover how effortless it is to create a meal that’s both satisfying and packed full of goodness. It’s become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want nourishing comfort food without any fuss. I’m sure it will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen too!
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Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables is a hearty and wholesome meal perfect for any day. Featuring tender chicken breasts, nutrient-rich quinoa, and a colorful array of vegetables like carrots, celery, and kale, this soup combines healthy ingredients with comforting flavors. Simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth base with fragrant garlic, onion, and thyme, it’s both filling and flavorful. Ideal for a balanced meal, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
- 1.5 cups chopped carrots (about 2 large carrots)
- 1.5 cups chopped celery (about 2 large stalks)
- 1 pound chicken breast (uncooked, about 2 breasts)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 ounce or 398ml can)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 packed cups kale, torn into small pieces (lacinato or curly)
- Salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and dried thyme. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously until the aromatics are fragrant and the onions become translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften while retaining some bite.
- Add Protein and Liquids: Place the raw chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, uncooked quinoa, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine, then increase the heat to bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow the soup to cook gently for 20 minutes. This time also allows you to wash and prepare the kale while the flavors meld together and the quinoa cooks.
- Remove and Shred Chicken: After 20 minutes, check that the chicken breasts are cooked through. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it onto a clean cutting board. Let it rest briefly.
- Add Kale to Soup: Stir the torn kale pieces into the simmering soup. The residual heat will wilt the kale nicely without overcooking.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces on the cutting board.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Remove the pot from heat. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your nourishing chicken quinoa soup!
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely for up to 1 month.
- Using bone-in chicken breasts can add additional depth of flavor, just ensure thorough cooking.
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove its natural bitterness.
