Description
This Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Soup is a hearty, protein-rich soup made with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy quinoa, and a savory herb-infused chicken broth. It comes together easily on the stovetop and makes a satisfying, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cups chopped raw broccoli
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 large cooked chicken breasts, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 cups cooked quinoa
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in the chopped broccoli and minced garlic. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the chopped fresh parsley and dried thyme. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the cooked quinoa to the pot. Keep the soup at a gentle boil for 5 minutes so the quinoa can absorb some of the broth and flavors.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
6. Stir in the chopped cooked chicken and simmer just until everything is heated through. Finish by sprinkling in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjusting the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
If you prefer softer broccoli, chop it smaller or add it a few minutes earlier so it has more time to cook.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits; thin with a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American