There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, especially when it’s both nutritious and filling. This Chicken & Quinoa Soup is perfect for cozy nights at home, bringing together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and wholesome quinoa. This hearty soup not only tastes fantastic but is packed with nutrients, making it ideal for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special and how you can bring it to life in your own kitchen.

The Ingredients

This Chicken & Quinoa Soup keeps it simple yet satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Tenderloin: The heart of this dish, chicken tenderloin is flavorful, lean, and packed with protein.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions add a sweet, earthy base that is complemented by sliced mushrooms for an extra umami boost.
Chicken Base: Different from chicken broth, chicken base is more concentrated, lending a richer flavor.
Quinoa: Nutty, fluffy, and a powerhouse of nutrition, quinoa elevates the soup, making it more filling and adding a delightful texture.
Bay Leaf & Garlic: These two bring depth and warmth, enhancing the flavor of the entire soup.

How to Make the Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by browning the chicken in a skillet. This quick step adds a lovely golden color to the chicken and locks in its natural juices. After browning, transfer the chicken pieces to a crockpot.

Step 2: Combine and Cook

Add your sliced carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, chicken base, garlic, water, and a bay leaf to the crockpot along with the browned chicken. Set the crockpot to high and let it cook for about 2 hours.

Step 3: Add Quinoa and Simmer

Once the veggies have softened and the flavors have melded together, add in the quinoa. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer until the quinoa has softened and absorbed the rich flavors of the broth. Finally, stir in a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf, and your soup is ready to be ladled into bowls. This Chicken & Quinoa Soup is perfect on its own or with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and quinoa and loaded with fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Flavorful & Satisfying: Chicken base and garlic give this soup a rich, savory flavor that’s deeply satisfying.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep, your crockpot does most of the work, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights.

Customization Ideas

This Chicken & Quinoa Soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add More Veggies: Throw in some chopped zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra color and nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use Bone Broth: For even more protein and nutrients, try using bone broth instead of water.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a wholesome meal for the family, this Chicken & Quinoa Soup is sure to hit the spot. Warm, nourishing, and easy to make, it’s the perfect recipe to warm up your nights and satisfy your soul. Enjoy!

Chicken & Quinoa Soup

Author: Alice

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Description

Warm your soul with this hearty Chicken & Quinoa Soup, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and nutty quinoa, it’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 1/2 cups carrots, thinly sliced
– 1 1/2 cups celery, thinly sliced
– 2/3 cup onion, chopped
– 10-12 mushrooms, sliced
– 2 tablespoons chicken base (different from chicken broth, it makes chicken broth)
– 8-10 cups water
– 1 or 2 large bay leaves
– 1 cup uncooked quinoa
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 tablespoon garlic

Instructions

1. Brown the chicken in a skillet until golden, stirring frequently.
2. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it in a crockpot.
3. Add carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, chicken base, water, garlic, and bay leaf to the crockpot.
4. Cook on high heat for 2 hours.
5. Add quinoa, lower the heat to low, and cook until vegetables and chicken are tender.
6. Stir in salt and pepper.
7. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

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