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–+ servings
a cup of chicken quinoa soup with spoon, parley sprigs and half of a lemon

Easy Chicken and Quinoa Soup Recipe

Leisha Lockrem
This hearty soup is filled with plenty of satisfying vegetables, protein-packed quinoa, and shredded chicken, finished with lemon and parsley, creating a light, fresh-tasting soup.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 322.9 kcal

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups celery (4 stalks)
  • 2 cups carrots (3 medium)
  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 medium lemon juiced
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and chopped onion to a large Dutch oven. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5-8 minutes.
    1 T olive oil and 1 medium onion
  • Add minced garlic cloves, celery, carrots, sage, bay leaves, black pepper, soaked quinoa, chicken stock, and chicken breasts. 
    3 garlic cloves, 2 cups celery, 2 cups carrots, 1 tsp sage, 2 whole bay leaves, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 cup quinoa, 8 cups chicken stock, and 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer the chicken breasts for 10-15 minutes or until the center is no longer pink.
    The exact cooking time vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. 
  • Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks and add it back into the soup.
  • Once the quinoa and chicken are done, and the vegetables are soft, taste the broth to check if it needs salt.
    You will know when the quinoa is fully cooked when it has puffed up, and the tiny spiral (the germ) separates and curls around the seed. 
    Since all chicken stocks vary, wait to season the soup until after the stock is added.  
    1 tsp salt
  • Remove the bay leaves and toss. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, and stir to combine. 
    1 medium lemon and ¼ cup parsley
    Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Soaking Quinoa Instructions

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
Add all of the ingredients to a large jar and stir to combine. Cover with a lid loosely to keep dust out and place the jar in a warm spot for 12-24 hours. 
When the time is up, add enough water so that you can stir the quinoa. You will notice the water is discolored and the stirring action will produce bubbles. Carefully pour off the liquid, using the lid to hold back the quinoa. Add more water into the jar and repeat the process until the water runs clear. The quinoa is now ready to use.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 322.9kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 21.3gFat: 9.2gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 33.7mgSodium: 949.6mgPotassium: 935.9mgFiber: 4.8gSugar: 8.8gVitamin A: 7540.5IUVitamin C: 19.5mgCalcium: 73.4mgIron: 2.8mg
Keyword quinoa, soup, chicken
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