If you’re searching for a soul-warming dish that combines wholesome nutrition with vibrant, fresh flavors, then you are in for a treat! This Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and protein-packed quinoa swimming in a fragrant broth packed with garden-fresh herbs and a bright hint of lemon. Every spoonful delivers layers of comforting richness balanced with herbal brightness, making it a perfect bowl any time of year. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will fast become one of your go-to favorites to nourish both body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this soup is delightfully straightforward, thanks to fresh, simple ingredients that work harmoniously. Each component has a role—from the tender chicken adding hearty protein, to mushrooms enriching the texture and depth, and vibrant herbs infusing every sip with lively fragrance.
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced): Provides lean protein and a tender, juicy base for the soup.
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed): Adds a nutty texture and wholesome goodness that makes this soup truly filling.
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced): Brings earthy, savory notes and meaty texture to complement the chicken.
- 1 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil mixed and chopped): Infuses the soup with vibrant, aromatic flavors and a touch of green freshness.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a punch of savory depth to awaken the palate.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Builds a sweet, mellow base to round out flavors.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing to develop rich flavors and a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint that lifts the entire soup.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance and balance the flavors.
How to Make Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible savory aroma that signals the beginning of something special.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms to Build Earthy Flavor
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the mushrooms to soften and develop a slight golden brown hue, which deepens the soup’s flavor profile and adds a wonderful meaty texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken until Just Done
Now, stir in the diced chicken breast pieces. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they lose their pink color and are opaque throughout. This step is crucial so the chicken stays juicy without drying out, ensuring every bite is tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer in Chicken Broth
Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, letting all those wonderful layers meld together beautifully. This is when the base of your soup is really coming alive with warmth and comfort.
Step 5: Add Quinoa and Cook Until Puffy
Fold in the rinsed quinoa, then cover the pot and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the flavors and swell up, adding a satisfying bite and a nutty undertone that makes this soup stand out from the rest.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice
Right before serving, stir in the chopped mixed herbs and lemon juice. This final flourish brightens the entire dish, lending it that fresh green vibrancy which perfectly balances the richness from the chicken and mushrooms, making this truly an Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning to Taste
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. This simple step ensures all the flavors are perfectly tuned to your liking, paving the way for that unforgettable bowl of soup.
How to Serve Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, try adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like extra parsley or basil and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. A few thin lemon slices on the side add a pop of brightness visually and flavor-wise, making each spoonful a refreshing delight.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or a warm crusty bread perfect for dipping. Both options complement the soup’s fresh and hearty elements, turning lunch or dinner into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to add a touch of elegance. Alternatively, portion the soup into mason jars for a fun to-go meal or a picnic that doesn’t skimp on nutrition and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and marry beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better than day one!
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much, to bring back that perfect soup consistency and fresh taste reminiscent of the original batch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of herbs for this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano based on what you enjoy or have on hand. The key is balancing fresh, aromatic greens to keep that signature brightness of the Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and quinoa still ensure it stays deliciously hearty and packed with flavor.
Can I prepare the quinoa in advance?
You can, but it’s best to cook the quinoa fresh with the soup to maintain its fluffy texture and absorb maximum flavor. Pre-cooked quinoa may make the soup a bit mushy if added too early.
How spicy is this soup?
This particular recipe is mild and soothing, focusing on herbal freshness and savory elements. If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne during cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying the chicken?
Reheat gently on low heat and add a little extra broth or water as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, since slow, even warming keeps the chicken juicy and tender in each bowl of this Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly cannot recommend this Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe enough. It’s a heartfelt meal that combines nourishment with freshness and comfort so effortlessly. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something wholesome and uplifting, this soup always delivers. I hope you make it soon and enjoy every soulful spoonful as much as I do.
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Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 bowls
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Irresistibly Flavorful Green Chicken Quinoa Soup with Herbs is a wholesome and nourishing dish that combines tender chicken breast, protein-rich quinoa, earthy mushrooms, and a vibrant mix of fresh herbs. Simmered to perfection in a savory chicken broth, and brightened with a touch of lemon juice, this comforting soup is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Grains
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
Vegetables and Herbs
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mixed herbs, chopped (parsley, cilantro, basil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Liquids and Oils
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the base for sautéing.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir occasionally as they cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender and start to brown slightly.
- Cook chicken: Stir in the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken pieces lose their pink color and begin to firm up.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add quinoa and cook: Fold in the rinsed quinoa, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Finish with herbs and lemon: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh herbs and lemon juice to add vibrant freshness and brightness.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove its natural coating, which can be bitter.
- Use fresh herbs for the best vibrant flavor; dried herbs will not provide the same freshness.
- Adjust cooking times slightly if using different cuts of chicken or broth concentration.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and chicken with vegetable broth and your choice of plant-based protein.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
