When the chill of autumn settles in, nothing warms me up quite like a hearty bowl of Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup. This nourishing dish is my go-to when I need something comforting yet wholesome.
Packed with tender chicken, nutrient-rich kale, and protein-packed quinoa, it’s a meal that not only satisfies my taste buds but also fuels my body with the goodness it craves.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead lunch option, this soup has it all. Let me take you through my favorite recipe that I turn to whenever I need a boost of warmth and nutrition.
How To Make Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup?
Recipe Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course/Soup
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoahttps://www.loveandlemons.com/quinoa/, rinsed
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a bright finish)
Instructions
1. Sauté The Aromatics
I start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, I add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. I sauté these until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook The Chicken
Next, I add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. I cook them until they are browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add The Broth And Quinoa
Once the chicken is browned, I pour in the chicken broth, then add the rinsed quinoa. I stir everything together, making sure the quinoa is submerged in the broth.
4. Simmer The Soup
I then add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. I cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked.
5. Add The Kale
After the quinoa is cooked, I stir in the chopped kale. I let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale is wilted and tender.
6. Finish And Serve
Before serving, I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. I then remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls, ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 750 mg
Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup
Serving Suggestions Of Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup
Pair With Crusty Bread
I love to serve this soup with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.
Add A Side Salad
For a complete meal, I often pair this soup with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
Top With Cheese
If you like a richer soup, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving.
Tips And Variations Of Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup
Swap The Protein
If you prefer, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts. This can save you some time.
Make It Vegan
To make this soup vegan, I swap the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup remains hearty and just as delicious.
Add More Vegetables
Sometimes, I like to add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to the soup. It’s a great way to use up what I have on hand.
Special Note
I always make sure to rinse the quinoa before adding it to the soup. This step removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the flavor.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup to warm the soul. It’s a nutritious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or a simple dinner.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. After all, the best recipes are the ones that evolve with you.
Chicken Kale Quinoa Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoahttps://www.loveandlemons.com/quinoa/ rinsed
- 4 cups kale chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for a bright finish
InstructionsÂ
Sauté The Aromatics
- I start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, I add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. I sauté these until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cook The Chicken
- Next, I add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. I cook them until they are browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add The Broth And Quinoa
- Once the chicken is browned, I pour in the chicken broth, then add the rinsed quinoa. I stir everything together, making sure the quinoa is submerged in the broth.
Simmer The Soup
- I then add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. I cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked.
Add The Kale
- After the quinoa is cooked, I stir in the chopped kale. I let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale is wilted and tender.
Finish And Serve
- Before serving, I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. I then remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls, ready to enjoy.
Notes
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.