Zesty Lemon Quinoa Chicken Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Zesty Lemon Quinoa Chicken Soup—a delightful fusion of tender chicken, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, all enhanced by a refreshing burst of lemon juice. This hearty soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Ideal for meal prep, this recipe yields a generous batch, perfect for freezing and enjoying later as a quick and wholesome lunch or dinner option. Make every spoonful a zesty experience that invigorates your senses and nourishes your body.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
carrots
2 cups (sliced)
celery
2 cups (sliced)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
chicken broth
12 cups (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (chopped (raw or cooked))
quinoa
1/2 cup (rinsed)
lemon juice
6 tablespoons (freshly squeezed (about 3 lemons))
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
baby spinach
4 cups (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion. Sauté for about 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped chicken breast (raw or cooked), rinsed quinoa, lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
3
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh baby spinach and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until wilted and tender. Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Quinoa Chicken Soup?
It is a nutritious and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables enhanced by a refreshing burst of lemon juice.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either raw or pre-cooked chicken breast; if using pre-cooked, simply add it when you pour in the broth.
Why do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa removes the naturally occurring saponins on the outer coating which can cause a bitter taste if not washed away.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa and fresh vegetables, though you should verify your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I freeze Zesty Lemon Quinoa Chicken Soup?
Absolutely, this soup is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen in airtight containers for a quick and wholesome future meal.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered for approximately 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender.
Can I substitute spinach with another leafy green?
Yes, you can use chopped kale or Swiss chard, though they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to baby spinach.
How many lemons do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of lemon juice, which is roughly the amount produced by 3 medium-sized lemons.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it yields a generous batch and stays fresh well, making it an ideal choice for healthy weekly meal planning.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
This recipe includes carrots, celery, onion, and fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-dense and flavorful experience.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a suitable substitute, although it will slightly change the flavor profile of the final dish.
Do I have to use chicken breast?
While chicken breast is recommended for its lean protein, you could substitute it with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
How do I know when the quinoa is fully cooked?
Quinoa is done when it becomes translucent and the small germ or 'tail' of the grain becomes visible and detaches.
Can I add more black pepper for extra spice?
Certainly, you can adjust the ground black pepper or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Does the quinoa soak up the broth over time?
Quinoa tends to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating leftovers.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth; you can add extra beans or vegetables for additional protein.
Is there any oil used in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is used at the beginning to sauté the carrots, celery, and onions.
What type of quinoa is best for this soup?
You can use any variety of quinoa, including white, red, or tri-color, though white quinoa is the most traditional for soups.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no milk, butter, or cheese, making it naturally dairy-free.
Can I add garlic to this soup?
While not in the original recipe, adding minced garlic during the vegetable sautéing step would be a delicious addition.
How many cups of broth are required?
The recipe requires 12 cups of chicken broth to ensure there is plenty of liquid for the ingredients to simmer.
What size should I cut the vegetables?
It is best to slice the carrots and celery and chop the onions into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Should the spinach be added at the beginning of cooking?
No, the baby spinach should be stirred in at the very end and cooked for just 3 to 5 minutes until it is wilted and tender.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pot.
Is this a high-protein soup?
Yes, the combination of chicken breast and quinoa provides a significant amount of high-quality protein per serving.
Do I need to boil the soup?
Yes, bring the mixture to a rolling boil initially before reducing the heat to a simmer to ensure the quinoa and chicken cook properly.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best zesty flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient substitute.
What can I serve with this soup?
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a light side salad.