Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup

Name: Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Meal Favorites

I absolutely love making Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup, especially on chilly days. The aromatic herbs combined with tender chicken and nutty quinoa create a comforting bowl that warms my soul. What I adore about this recipe is how easily it comes together; I can use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken, making it a quick option for a busy weeknight dinner. Each spoonful is not only nourishing but also packed with flavor, making it a go-to for both family meals and gatherings.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:41:28.568Z

When I first crafted this Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup, I wanted something that felt wholesome and comforting but also packed a nutritional punch. Using quinoa instead of traditional pasta was my way of adding extra protein and fiber, which I think elevates the dish. I've experimented with various herbs, but I find that thyme and rosemary add a perfect earthy note that complements the chicken beautifully.

Another tip I've learned is to sauté the vegetables first, allowing them to caramelize slightly before adding the broth. This step enhances the flavors of the entire soup, resulting in a dish that's both vibrant and hearty. Trust me, the extra few minutes are worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A hearty blend of herbs that elevate the everyday chicken soup
Nutritious quinoa adds a delightful texture and boosts protein content
Perfectly adaptable with any leftover proteins or vegetables

Understanding Quinoa in Your Soup

Quinoa serves as a nutritional powerhouse in Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup, bringing a delightful nutty flavor and a unique texture that complements the tender chicken and vegetables. When rinsing quinoa before cooking, this crucial step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste if left on. Be sure to rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear for optimum flavor.

Cooking quinoa adds visual appeal to the soup as it expands and turns fluffy, usually in about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when each grain has blossomed, revealing its tiny white spiral. This not only ensures a delicious bite but also absorbs the rich flavors of the broth beautifully. If you prefer a more substantial texture, you can reduce the quinoa slightly or increase it depending on your preference.

Perfecting Your Soup Base

The foundation of this Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup lies in the aromatic sauté of vegetables, which develops a deep, robust flavor that enhances the entire dish. When sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery, aim for a golden-brown color on the edges—this will deepen the flavor profile as the natural sugars caramelize. Don't rush this step; taking your time here can elevate the final taste significantly.

Using high-quality chicken broth is crucial for a flavorful base, as it directly impacts the overall richness of the soup. If you’re working with homemade broth, consider simmering it with additional herbs like bay leaves or a sprinkle of fresh dill to add layers of flavor. For a lower-sodium option, you can choose a low-sodium broth and adjust the salt at the end of cooking for a healthier twist.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped before starting your soup for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add in the quinoa, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.

Finish with Chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious bowl of Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the soup and complements the herbs beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Herbed Chicken Quinoa Soup is an excellent dish for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember that the quinoa will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions for up to 3 months.

If you plan to freeze the soup, it's best to do so before adding the chicken. After defrosting, you can easily stir in fresh or reheated chicken. This prevents the chicken from becoming dry or overcooked during reheating, ensuring that every bowl remains tender and juicy, just like the first.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

This soup is versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your tastes or what's on hand. Consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for an added nutrient boost and a vibrant green color. You can also toss in other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor, just remember to adjust the cooking time to suit the vegetables' needs.

For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. Alternatively, you can finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors. Each variation will create a new experience, making this soup a delightful staple that never feels repetitive.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with brown rice or barley, though cooking times may vary.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can also include chickpeas for protein.