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Chicken Quinoa Soup

A nutritious twist on the classic chicken noodle soup that is both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil Use high-quality olive oil for richer flavor.
  • 2 celery Fresh celery adds crunch and depth to the soup.
  • 3 carrots Sweet carrots enhance the overall taste and nutrition.
  • 1 cup yellow onion Onions bring sweetness and aroma to the base of the soup.
  • 4 garlic cloves Garlic infuses robust flavor and health benefits.
  • 2 bay leaves Bay leaves add subtle herbal notes during cooking.
  • 1 lb. chicken breast Lean chicken provides protein and substance.
  • 1 cup quinoa Quinoa is a nutritious grain packed with protein and fiber.
  • 7 cups chicken broth Broth enhances flavor; adjust according to desired consistency.
  • 2 tsp hot sauce Add more or less based on your spice preference.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Salt enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste as needed.
  • black pepper Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and complexity.
  • lemon juice A splash of lemon brightens up the flavors (optional).
  • fresh parsley Garnish adds freshness and color before serving.

Method
 

  1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced celery, chopped carrots, and diced onions, sautéing until they soften—about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Next, add the chicken breasts, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce into the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is well-covered.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce it to a simmer, allowing it to cook uncovered for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot once done cooking and stir in rinsed quinoa into the broth mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy.
  5. While quinoa cooks, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the soup.
  6. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt or hot sauce as desired. Before serving, stir in lemon juice if using, then garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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