Quinoa Chicken Soup: A Nourishing, yet Simple Soup

When the weather gets chilly—or when your body is asking for something comforting—few things hit the spot like a warm bowl of soup. Quinoa Chicken Soup is one of my favorite nourishing meals to recommend to clients because it’s simple, balanced, and deeply supportive to the gut and immune system.

It’s also naturally gluten-free, high in protein, easy to digest, and packed with minerals your body loves.

Let’s break down why this soup is such a powerful addition to your weekly routine.

Why Quinoa Chicken Soup Is So Good for You

1. It’s gentle on digestion

Quinoa contains prebiotic fibers that help feed healthy gut bacteria. When combined with a warm broth and soft vegetables, it creates a meal that’s easy for the digestive system to break down—perfect for anyone experiencing bloating, sluggish digestion, or recovering from illness.

2. Protein-rich and balanced

Chicken and quinoa together give your body a well-rounded amino-acid profile. This supports:

🍗 steady blood sugar

🥑 healthy metabolism

🥦 hormone balance

🍄 immune resilience

It’s the kind of meal that keeps you satisfied for hours without feeling heavy.

3. Naturally anti-inflammatory

Ingredients like garlic, onion, celery, carrots, and herbs (especially thyme and turmeric) help calm inflammation and support the liver. If you add lemon or apple cider vinegar (ACV) at the end, it gives the soup a bright finish and boosts detox pathways.

4. Mineral-dense hydration

Because it’s broth-based, you’re getting electrolytes, collagen (if using bone broth), and minerals that support skin, gut lining, and joint health.

🍲 Simple Quinoa Chicken Soup Recipe

Servings: 4–6

Time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast or thighs (I used boneless)

¾ cup quinoa, rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

1 medium onion, diced

3–4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup carrots (I used the shredded ones in a bag)

2 celery stalks, sliced and diced 

8 cups broth (chicken or bone broth)

1 teaspoon turmeric

½-1 teaspoon oregano

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

Black pepper to taste

Green onions for garnish

1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional)

Juice of ½ lemon OR 1 Tbsp. ACV (optional)

Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add chicken to a skillet and simmer in ½ cup chicken broth and seasonings of your choice. I use a dash of parsley, oregano, onion and garlic powder.  While the chicken is cooking, move onto step 2.

(Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°. Once the broth is evaporated, add 2 Tbsp. butter to the skillet and brown chicken on both sides over medium heat.)

2. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in oil until fragrant.

2. Add quinoa, broth, and all seasonings.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-25 minutes, until quinoa is cooked.

4. Remove the chicken from the pan, cut into small chunks and add it to the soup.

5. Stir in greens (parsley, spinach or kale) if using and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

6. Adjust seasoning and finish with a splash of lemon OR apple cider vinegar.

🌿 Ways to Make It Your Own

You can customize this soup based on your health goals:

For immune support:

Add fresh or ground ginger, extra garlic, or mushrooms.

For hormone balance:

Use bone broth and add a handful of leafy greens for magnesium.

For gut health:

Stir in fresh parsley and lemon to support stomach acid and digestion.

For blood sugar stability:

Add extra chicken or serve with avocado slices for healthy fats.

🥣 Why I Recommend This to Clients

As a functional health coach, I love meals that are:

🥑 nutrient-dense

🍴 easy to prepare

🦠 supportive to the gut and immune system

🕉 comforting and grounding

Quinoa Chicken Soup checks all those boxes. It’s ideal for busy weeks, postpartum recovery, seasonal transitions, or simply nourishing your family with whole foods.