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Chicken Quinoa Soup

Cozy Up with This Delicious Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe

This Chicken Quinoa Soup is a wholesome, heartwarming dish that blends tender chicken and nutritious quinoa for a comforting experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds flavor and is essential for sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 cup Diced Yellow Onion Provides a flavorful base.
  • 2 stalks Diced Celery Adds crunch and depth to the soup.
  • 2 medium Diced Carrots Sweetness and color; can be replaced with parsnips or bell peppers.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Enhances overall flavor; garlic powder works as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Provides richness and umami.
For the Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Creates flavor complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Basil
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Offers optional spice.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Protein and More
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Main protein source; substitute with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 can Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes Contributes sweetness and smokiness.
  • 1 cup Quinoa Adds heartiness and nutrition; you can opt for rice if preferred.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Provides aromatic flavor.
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock Base liquid; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 cups Coarsely Chopped Baby Spinach Optional; adds nutrients.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 6-quart slow cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 diced carrots. Stir occasionally and cook for 7-9 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, creating a fragrant base for your Chicken Quinoa Soup.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and thyme. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1-3 minutes.
  3. Carefully transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add to the slow cooker.
  5. Add 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 cup of quinoa, 2 bay leaves, and 4 cups of chicken stock to the slow cooker. Stir well.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3-5 hours.
  7. Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken and return it back into the soup.
  8. If desired, stir in 2 cups of coarsely chopped baby spinach.
  9. Taste your Chicken Quinoa Soup and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa first to enhance flavor. Adjust cooking time for desired texture and consistency. Customize veggies for personal preference.

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