Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup – Quick, Cozy, and Protein-Packed

Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup is your new weeknight hero. It’s everything you want in a cozy dinner—comforting, filling, protein-packed—and it won’t hog your whole evening to make. Plus, it’s got quinoa instead of noodles, which honestly feels like your body saying, “Thanks, I needed that.” This soup isn’t just quick, it’s ridiculously easy, and it warms you up from the inside out like your favorite fuzzy blanket.

If your usual chicken soup feels a little too 1995, it’s time to bring things up to date with this simple, hearty twist. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, chasing after toddlers, or just need a meal that actually makes you feel good, this healthy chicken quinoa soup deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s one of those feel-good bowls that checks all the boxes—and might even impress the picky eaters.

Table of Contents

What is Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup?

Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup is like chicken noodle soup’s healthier, trendier cousin. It swaps the pasta for protein-rich quinoa, loads up on veggies, and still brings that classic, soothing chicken flavor we all crave when the temps drop or the sniffles hit. It’s made with a base of chicken broth, shredded chicken breast, carrots, celery, and onion—and everything simmers together with bay leaves and a kick of hot sauce (don’t worry, you can tone that down).

Quinoa steps in not just as a substitute for noodles, but as a whole grain that keeps you fuller longer, making it a smart choice for lunch or dinner. It’s cooked all in one pot, and you can even toss it into a slow cooker if that’s more your jam. It’s got that cozy homemade vibe without being heavy or overly rich. Basically, this soup feels like a hug, but it’s one you made yourself in under 40 minutes.

Reasons to Try Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup

There are so many good reasons to try healthy chicken quinoa soup that it almost feels unfair to other soups. First, it’s ready in about half an hour, which is basically a miracle on a Tuesday night. Second, it’s a one-pot wonder—fewer dishes, less mess, and maximum flavor. Third, it’s just plain good for you: packed with lean protein, fiber, and immune-friendly veggies, it’s a win for your taste buds and your body. It’s also super customizable—hate spice? Skip the hot sauce. Want more greens? Throw in spinach.

And if you’re feeding picky eaters, it’s mild enough to sneak past most food critics under three feet tall. It also reheats beautifully, so hello, next-day lunch. Need more inspiration? Pair this with something like our Healthy Turkey Taco Bowl for a protein-rich weekly meal prep lineup. Bottom line: this soup fits into busy lives and health goals without feeling like a compromise.

Ingredients Needed to Make Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb. chicken breast (about 2 breasts)
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 7 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
• 2 tsp hot sauce (more or less to taste)
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions to Make Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup

Ready to whip up a hearty bowl of comfort? Follow this step-by-step guide to make your Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup from scratch. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook, these clear, detailed steps will help you confidently get dinner on the table. Let’s do this—one delicious step at a time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before turning on the stove, take a few minutes to prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion, chop the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer—this helps remove its natural coating (saponin), which can taste bitter. If you’re new to quinoa, check out our guide to cooking with quinoa for more helpful tips.

Pro tip: Having everything chopped and ready before cooking (known as mise en place) makes the whole process smoother—and prevents that frantic “wait, I forgot to dice the onion” moment.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté everything for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and the onions become translucent.

This step is key—it builds the flavor base for the soup, so don’t rush it. If you like a richer flavor, you can let the onions caramelize slightly before moving on. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping in leeks or shallots for a twist, and refer to our ingredient substitution guide if you’re short on something.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Quinoa, and Broth

Once the vegetables are soft and fragrant, it’s time to add the main players. Gently place the raw chicken breasts into the pot, followed by the rinsed quinoa, 7 cups of chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce (adjust to taste), and ½ teaspoon of salt.

Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. This step is the heart of the process—your protein and grain will soak up all those savory flavors as they cook. Not a fan of spicy food? Feel free to skip the hot sauce and use a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness instead.

Looking for more high-protein soups? Our Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup offers another one-pot wonder worth trying.

Step 4: Simmer and Shred the Chicken

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This step-by-step simmering process gives the chicken time to cook through and allows the quinoa to fluff up beautifully. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

After 30 minutes, check that the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should hit 165°F). Use tongs to lift the chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks—it should pull apart easily—then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Give it all a good stir so the chicken mixes back in with the soup.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Now it’s time to bring your soup to life. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper if it feels flat. Want more brightness? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders. Craving extra herbs? Stir in chopped parsley or a pinch of thyme.

You can also add spinach or kale at this point if you want an extra veggie boost—just stir it in and let it wilt for a minute or two.

For those making this recipe ahead, or doubling it for later, be sure to check our meal prep and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh and flavorful all week.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup into bowls, garnish with more parsley if you like, and serve it hot. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or even a grilled cheese for a soul-warming meal. For a lighter option, try a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables.

This step-by-step recipe is meant to be flexible—feel free to customize it to your taste or what you’ve got in the fridge. And if you’re into slow cooker magic, see our Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy for a similar method that fits busy schedules.

What to Serve with Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup

This soup is perfectly satisfying on its own, but if you want to round things out, you’ve got options. A thick slice of crusty sourdough or some garlic toast is perfect for dunking. If you’re low-carb or gluten-free, a side of roasted veggies or a light salad adds extra nutrients without the bloat.

Craving something cozy? A grilled cheese sandwich (yes, even a grown-up version with sharp cheddar and sourdough) makes a dreamy match. You could also prep our Cheesy Quinoa and Black Bean Taco Skillet on the side if you’re cooking for a crew. And let’s not forget the option of a warm lemon tea or sparkling water to sip on—it’s soup night, not a wine-and-charcuterie night (though, hey, you do you).

Key Tips for Making Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup

• Rinse your quinoa. It removes the bitter outer coating (called saponin), which you do not want floating in your soup.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. If it gets dry, the whole cozy vibe falls apart. Set a timer and check early.
• Use homemade broth if you have it. It adds deeper flavor, but boxed works just fine in a pinch.
• Spice it your way. If your kids are spice-averse, use lemon juice instead of hot sauce and let adults add heat at the table.
• Double up for leftovers. This soup keeps well and tastes even better the next day. It’s a meal-prep MVP.
• Slow cooker? Easy win. Just chop, drop, and set it on high for 3 hours. Dinner, done.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Let the soup cool, then transfer it into airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for lunches or “oops I forgot to meal plan” nights. For freezing, just leave out the quinoa and add it fresh when you reheat—it holds up better that way. To reheat, pop it in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm. You can also microwave it, covered, for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If it thickens up in the fridge (quinoa does that!), just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yep! Use veggie broth and swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans.

Is quinoa better than noodles?
Nutritionally, yes—quinoa has more protein and fiber. But hey, both have their place.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the quinoa and add it fresh when reheating.

What if I hate hot sauce?
No judgment! Skip it entirely and just squeeze in a little lemon juice instead.

Does this soup help when you’re sick?
It’s packed with nutrients, easy to digest, and soothing—so yes, it’s a great “under the weather” bowl.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Chicken Quinoa Soup isn’t just another recipe—it’s a comfort-food solution that won’t leave you feeling sluggish afterward. Whether you’re feeding your family or just looking for a meal that ticks the boxes of fast, nourishing, and tasty, this soup’s got you. It’s one of those meals that works for busy weekdays, meal prep Sundays, or when you’re just craving something cozy without the guilt. And let’s be honest—anything that cooks in one pot and still tastes like a hug is worth keeping in your dinner rotation. Want more high-protein ideas like this? Check out our High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice next. Your meal plan just got a serious glow-up.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print