When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort to the table. My Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup is a delightful twist on the classic chicken soup, combining the hearty goodness of tender chicken with the bright, refreshing flavors of lemon.
Packed with protein-rich quinoa and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and whip up this wholesome, zesty soup!
How To Make Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course or Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Sauté The Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
2. Cook The Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides.
3. Add Quinoa And Broth
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Add the quinoa to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot and letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. The quinoa should be tender, and the chicken fully cooked.
4. Stir In Lemon And Greens
Once the quinoa is cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice, spinach, and fresh parsley. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
5. Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy it piping hot!
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 500 mg
Tips And Variations Of Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup
1. Make It Vegetarian
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. 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.
3. Add More Veggies
Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms would be fantastic additions.
Health Benefits of Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup
1. Protein-Packed
This soup is rich in lean protein from the chicken, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
2. Nutrient-Dense Quinoa
Quinoa is a superfood, packed with fiber, protein, and essential amino acids. It’s also gluten-free, making this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Immune-Boosting Lemon
Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the soup.
Special Note
This Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup is a versatile recipe that you can adapt to suit your taste and dietary needs. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something comforting yet nourishing. The lemon adds a brightness that makes it perfect for any time of the year.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this delightful Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup recipe, I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring how this vibrant, flavorful dish comes together. The zesty lemon and hearty quinoa make this soup a nourishing choice that’s both light and satisfying.
It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or a comforting dinner, offering a refreshing twist on traditional chicken soup. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the combination of lean chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and an array of fresh vegetables.
Chicken Lemon Quinoa Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth preferably low sodium
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 lemons about 1/4 cup
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
InstructionsÂ
Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
Cook The Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides.
Add Quinoa And Broth
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Add the quinoa to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot and letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. The quinoa should be tender, and the chicken fully cooked.
Stir In Lemon And Greens
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice, spinach, and fresh parsley. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy it piping hot!
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.