Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite nourishing recipes: Chicken Kale and Quinoa Soup. This wholesome and hearty soup combines tender chicken, nutrient-packed kale, and protein-rich quinoa to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, enjoy a light but satisfying meal, or simply warm up on a chilly day, this soup has got you covered.
Join me as I walk you through the steps to create this delicious, healthy soup that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s get cooking!
How to make Chicken Kale And Quinoa Soup?
Recipe Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 center-cut bacon slices
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
Prepare The Ingredients
Start by dicing the large onion and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the kale. Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
Cook The Bacon
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 4 center-cut bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Sauté The Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season And Add Chicken
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Quinoa And Broth
Stir in the rinsed quinoa and mix well to coat with the oil and seasonings. Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and add the 2 bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer The Soup
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and has absorbed some of the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Kale And Lemon Juice
Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until it wilts. Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the soup and stir to combine.
Season To Taste
Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Add the crumbled bacon back into the soup and stir well.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra freshly ground black pepper if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious Chicken Kale and Quinoa Soup!
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Kale And Quinoa Soup
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
Serving Suggestions Of Chicken Kale And Quinoa Soup
Garnish Ideas
I love garnishing this soup with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Side Dish Pairings
Serve this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully.
Tips And Variations Of Chicken Kale And Quinoa Soup
Make It Vegetarian
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spice It Up
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Kale And Quinoa Soup
Nutrient-Packed
This soup is packed with nutrients from the kale, quinoa, and chicken. Kale is a superfood rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while quinoa provides a good source of protein and fiber.
Immune-Boosting
The garlic and lemon juice add immune-boosting properties, making this soup a great choice during cold and flu season.
Low-Calorie
Despite being hearty and filling, this soup is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight.
Conclusion
My Chicken Kale and Quinoa Soup is a delightful, nutritious, and comforting dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. This hearty soup is ideal for any time of the year, providing a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and healthy.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this recipe as much as I do. Remember to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
Chicken Kale And Quinoa Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 center-cut bacon slices
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
8 cups chicken broth
4 cups kale, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Juice of 1 lemon
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by dicing the large onion and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the kale. Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 4 center-cut bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season And Add Chicken
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Quinoa And Broth
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and mix well to coat with the oil and seasonings. Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and add the 2 bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer The Soup
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and has absorbed some of the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Kale And Lemon Juice
- Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until it wilts. Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the soup and stir to combine.
Season To Taste
- Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Add the crumbled bacon back into the soup and stir well.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra freshly ground black pepper if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious Chicken Kale and Quinoa Soup!
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.