Main Course
Quinoa Soup with Chicken
This cozy soup combines tender chicken and nutritious quinoa for a comforting meal that's both hearty and healthy. Perfect for chilly days, it’s easy to make and full of flavor to warm you up from the inside out.
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1 hr 33 min
Total Time
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4
Servings
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Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
4
servings
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Instructions
1
Step 1
Start by bringing 3 cups of water and the quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, cover it, and let it simmer until the quinoa is tender—this should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
2
Step 2
While the quinoa cooks, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside, around 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3
Step 3
Next, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the onion, carrots, celery, both red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic. Cook everything together, stirring now and then, until the veggies soften, which should take about 10 minutes.
4
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the spinach, marjoram, oregano, basil, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld. Stir in the cooked quinoa, then return the chicken to the pot and let it warm through for a couple of minutes.
5
Step 5
Finally, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this into the soup while stirring, and cook for about a minute until the soup thickens slightly. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then it’s ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines protein-packed chicken with wholesome quinoa. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for any season. The flavors are gentle and soothing, great for a cozy dinner or when you need something easy on the stomach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors just before eating.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
