If you’re looking for a wholesome, heartwarming dish that nourishes both body and soul, the Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup With Vegetables Recipe is an absolute must-try. This soup brilliantly combines tender chicken, hearty quinoa, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables for a colorful and flavorful bowl that comforts you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful delivers amazing texture and nourishing nutrients, making it an ideal recipe for family dinners, cozy nights, or anytime you crave something truly satisfying and healthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to this recipe’s magic. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup shine.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Provides a rich base to sauté the aromatics and infuse the soup with smooth, fruity flavor.
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, savory aroma that wakes up the palate right from the start.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1.5 cups chopped carrots: Gives a slight crunch and natural sweetness, brightening the soup.
- 1.5 cups chopped celery: Adds earthiness and a refreshing snap in every bite.
- 1 pound chicken breast: The hearty protein star that makes this soup filling and nourishing.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz / 398 ml): Brings acidity and vibrant color, balancing the savory elements.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and adds richness to the broth.
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar: Brightens the overall taste with a gentle tang.
- 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa: Adds a wonderful, slightly nutty texture packed with protein and fiber.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together into a soulful soup.
- 3 packed cups kale, torn into small pieces: Introduces vibrant color and a powerhouse of nutrients.
- Salt + pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the flavor to perfection.
How to Make Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup With Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and dried thyme. Cook them for about two minutes while stirring continuously. This step releases the wonderful fragrances of garlic and thyme, building a flavorful foundation you’ll love.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped carrots and celery. Stir well and cook for five minutes so they soften slightly but still keep their delightful texture. These veggies bring a natural sweetness and crunch, adding body to every spoonful.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Carefully place the chicken breasts on top of the softened vegetables. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (including juice), tomato paste, red wine vinegar, uncooked quinoa, and chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then turn up the heat until the soup boils.
Step 4: Simmer and Prep Kale
Once it’s boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook peacefully for 20 minutes, giving the quinoa time to plump and the chicken to cook through. This is a great moment to wash and prepare your kale, tearing the leaves into small, manageable pieces.
Step 5: Remove and Shred Chicken
When the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use tongs to lift the breasts from the pot and set them onto a clean cutting board to rest. This ensures they stay juicy while you move on to the next steps.
Step 6: Add Kale to Soup
Stir the torn kale into the simmering pot. The residual heat will gently wilt the greens, preserving their vibrant color and nutritional goodness.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken
Using two forks, shred the rested chicken breasts by pulling the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. This classic technique helps the chicken integrate perfectly into the soup.
Step 8: Combine and Finish
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir thoroughly. Remove the soup from heat and take a moment to taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Now, it’s ready to enjoy—warm, comforting, and loaded with wholesome flavors.
How to Serve Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup With Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top can also elevate the richness and make each bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully on the side, balancing the heartiness with crisp, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. This adds charm and makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, perfect for entertaining or cozy family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It keeps well for up to three months and makes a convenient, nourishing meal whenever you need one later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to return it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast?
Absolutely! Dark meat like thighs adds extra juiciness and rich flavor, but keep in mind it may take slightly longer to cook through. Adjust your simmer time accordingly.
Is quinoa necessary, or can I substitute it?
Quinoa brings a nutty taste and protein boost, but you can swap in other grains like barley or brown rice. Just adjust cooking times as needed since each grain behaves differently.
What kind of kale works best?
Both curly kale and lacinato (dinosaur kale) work wonderfully. Lacinato is a bit more tender and has a milder flavor, while curly kale provides heartier texture.
Can this soup be made gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. It’s a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten who want a filling, tasty meal.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the aromatics or stir in some hot sauce at the end. Fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika can also bring a lovely kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Nourishing Chicken Quinoa Soup With Vegetables Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels like a warm embrace and packs a wholesome punch. Its simple yet vibrant ingredients create a bowl full of comfort and nourishment that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and cozy up—this soup is ready to become one of your go-to favorites!
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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 healthy meal perfect for any day. Packed with lean chicken breast, nutrient-rich quinoa, and a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and kale, it offers a wholesome blend of flavors and textures. The soup is enhanced with garlic, onion, thyme, and a touch of tomato paste and red wine vinegar for a slightly tangy depth. It’s a comforting, protein-packed dish that’s simple to prepare and ideal for a balanced diet.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
Vegetables
- 1.5 cups chopped carrots (about 2 large carrots)
- 1.5 cups chopped celery (about 2 large stalks)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 ounce or 398ml can)
- 3 packed cups kale, torn into small pieces (lacinato or curly kale)
Protein & Grains
- 1 pound chicken breast (uncooked, about 2 breasts)
- 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa
Liquids & Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 5 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring continuously to soften the ingredients and release their flavors.
- Add vegetables: Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add main ingredients: Place the raw chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the pot. Then add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, uncooked quinoa, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer soup: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 20 minutes. This is a good time to wash and prepare the kale.
- Remove cooked chicken: After 20 minutes, check that the chicken is fully cooked through. Use tongs to remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a clean cutting board to rest.
- Add kale: Stir the torn kale pieces into the simmering soup to wilt them gently.
- Shred chicken: On the cutting board, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Combine and finish: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Remove the soup from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- To make this soup gluten-free, ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Quinoa adds a full protein profile, making this soup very balanced and satisfying.
