Lemon Chicken Soup with Quinoa
Brighten your day with a comforting bowl of Lemon Chicken Soup with Quinoa, a zesty and wholesome twist on classic chicken soup. Featuring tender shredded chicken, protein-packed quinoa, and a vibrant burst of fresh lemon, this recipe is perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a light, refreshing lunch. Sautéed onions, carrots, and celery form the flavorful base, while a hint of thyme and a bay leaf add aromatic depth. The fresh lemon juice and zest bring sunshine to every spoonful, making this soup both hearty and invigorating. Ready in just 45 minutes and garnished with fragrant parsley, this gluten-free favorite is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 0.25 cup lemon juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the quinoa, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and tender.
Stir in the shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
260 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.9 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1164 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.3 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 30.6 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 766 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
