Nothing beats curling up with a steaming bowl of Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup when that first winter chill hits. I’ll never forget the year my whole family caught the flu, this soup saved us! Packed with protein from chicken and quinoa, plus all those immune-boosting veggies, it’s comfort food that actually makes you feel better. And here’s the secret: it’s ridiculously easy to make. Just toss everything in one pot, simmer, and voilà, a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving something warm and filling, this soup’s got your back.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup
Honestly, what’s not to love? This soup is my go-to for so many reasons:
- Protein powerhouse: Between the chicken and quinoa, you’re getting a serious protein boost that keeps you full for hours. No more afternoon snack attacks!
- Immune-boosting magic: Garlic, onions, and all those veggies? Your body will thank you when cold season hits.
- Meal prep dream: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for busy weeks. I always double the batch!
- Low calorie but filling: At just 280 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free comfort food.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy that warm, cozy feeling.
Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup: 280-Calorie Comfort in 30 Minutes
A nutritious and filling Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup packed with protein and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a keto version, omit quinoa and add extra vegetables.
- Add lemon juice for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, nourishing soup, I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces (thighs work too if you prefer darker meat)
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well (those little seeds can be bitter if you skip this step!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade if you’ve got it, but store-bought works great)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (I like yellow for sweetness)
- 2 carrots, sliced into coins (no need to peel if they’re organic)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (leaves and all for extra flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (more if you’re fighting a cold!)
- 1 tsp olive oil (or whatever oil you cook with)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (fresh is lovely if you have it, use 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp salt (start with this, you can always add more later)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground makes a difference)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No quinoa? No problem! For a keto version, swap in cauliflower rice (just add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking). Want extra smokiness? Toss in some turkey bacon when sautéing the veggies. Out of fresh garlic? 1/2 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch. And if you’re watching sodium, use low-sodium broth, you can always boost flavor with extra herbs. The beauty of this soup is how flexible it is!
How to Make Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup comes together in just a few simple steps, I promise it’s easier than you think. First, grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Oh, that sizzle and smell? Pure comfort! Let them soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Next up, the chicken! Add those diced pieces right into the pot with the veggies. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside turns golden (about 5-7 minutes). Now pour in that glorious chicken broth, it’ll deglaze all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then stir in your rinsed quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Here’s where the magic happens, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too often! The quinoa will puff up perfectly and soak up all that delicious flavor. When time’s up, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. That’s it, your Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup is ready to warm you up! If you enjoy one-pot meals like this, you might also like this cozy crockpot chicken chowder recipe.
Tips for Perfect Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup
Want restaurant-quality results every time? Here are my secrets: First, don’t overcook the quinoa, 20 minutes is perfect for tender-but-not-mushy grains. Second, wait until the end to adjust salt, broth saltiness varies wildly! And for a bright finish, squeeze in a little lemon juice right before serving. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup
This soup shines all on its own, but oh, the possibilities! I love it with crusty whole grain bread for dipping, or topped with avocado slices for extra creaminess. On chilly nights, I’ll sometimes add a dollop of Greek yogurt for tang, it melts right into the broth beautifully. For my kids? A handful of shredded cheese makes it extra comforting! For more comforting soup ideas, check out this cozy homestyle chicken soup pot recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup keeps like a dream! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days. To reheat, I prefer the stovetop (just warm gently over medium-low heat), but the microwave works too, stir every 30 seconds until piping hot. Want to freeze it? Portion into freezer bags, lay flat to freeze, and it’ll keep for 3 months! The quinoa gets a bit softer after freezing, but still tastes amazing.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each comforting bowl (based on my exact ingredients, yours might vary slightly): About 280 calories, a whopping 25g protein, and 4g fiber to keep you satisfied. Plus, all those vitamins from the veggies! It’s comfort food you can actually feel good about. For more healthy chicken recipes, see this healthy low-carb chicken soup recipe.
FAQ About Hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Portion it into freezer bags (I like to lay them flat to save space) and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. The quinoa softens a bit after thawing, but the flavor just gets richer. Pro tip: Leave about an inch of space at the top of the bag, liquids expand when frozen!
How can I make a keto version?
Easy peasy! Just swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice (add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking). You’ll still get that satisfying texture without the carbs. I sometimes throw in extra chicken or turkey bacon too, makes it even heartier!
What’s the best way to boost immunity?
Oh, I’ve got tricks for this! Double the garlic (trust me), add a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger when simmering, and throw in a handful of spinach at the end. My grandma swore by a squeeze of lemon too, the vitamin C really helps when you’re feeling under the weather. You can find more tips on healthy eating from sources like Family Tastes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Just sauté the veggies first (trust me, it makes a difference), then dump everything in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. The chicken gets so tender it practically melts!
Is this soup good for weight loss?
Totally! At just 280 calories per serving but packed with protein and fiber, it keeps you full for hours. I lost 15 pounds last winter eating this twice a week, just watch your portion sizes and skip the bread if you’re being strict.
Did you make this soup? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social, nothing makes me happier than seeing your cozy soup creations.