Name: Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil; 3 medium carrots, diced (1 1/4 cups); 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1 3/4 cups); 1 large red or yellow bell pepper, diced (2 cups); 1 Tbsp peeled and finely minced fresh ginger; 6 garlic cloves, minced (2 Tbsp); 1 Tbsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 3/4 tsp paprika; 3/4 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste; 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup (heaping) quinoa, well rinsed and drained; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts or thighs (rotisserie chicken recommended); 1 (14.5 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy meal that’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and just the right touch of warmth, I have something you’re going to love. This Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe quickly became my go-to comfort food on chilly evenings, and it’s so easy to make that I’m always surprised how restaurant-worthy it tastes. Filled with tender chicken, fragrant spices, and the wholesome goodness of quinoa, this soup hits all the right notes and makes a satisfying bowl any night of the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander creates a rich, warming taste without being overwhelming.
Nutritious & Filling: Adding quinoa and chickpeas boosts protein and fiber, making this soup great for a balanced meal.
Simple & Quick to Make: From prep to table in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

A large white pot filled with a chunky soup that has about three layers visible: the base broth is a warm orange color, thick and creamy, mixed with pieces of red and yellow vegetables and white chickpeas floating throughout. Larger pieces of light yellow shredded meat and green herb leaves can be seen scattered on top. A dark wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a dark purple cloth nearby and some fresh green herbs slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup, healthy curry chicken soup, easy quinoa chicken soup, flavorful chicken and quinoa recipe, comforting curry soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe bring a unique character to the dish. I especially love how the fresh ginger and garlic add zing, while the canned tomatoes and broth create the perfect savory base. Here’s what to look for when shopping:

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, three fresh medium orange carrots diced, one large yellow onion chopped, one large red bell pepper diced, a small mound of finely minced fresh ginger, six peeled garlic cloves whole (unminced), small piles of ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper arranged side by side, a small white bowl filled with rinsed dry quinoa grains, a small white bowl with creamy coconut milk, a small white bowl with cooked shredded chicken breast pieces, a small white bowl of drained chickpeas, and fresh chopped cilantro sprigs scattered neatly—all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup, healthy curry chicken soup, easy quinoa chicken soup, flavorful chicken and quinoa recipe, comforting curry soup

Olive oil: Opt for a good-quality extra virgin for the best aroma when sautéing your veggies.
Carrots: Fresh and firm to add just the right sweetness and texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a mellow depth without overpowering the soup.
Bell pepper: Red or yellow, whichever you like, brings sweetness and color.
Fresh ginger: Fresh is key here—it brightens and lifts the curry spices beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses great flavor and warmth.
Ground spices (coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper): Make sure your spices are fragrant and fresh for maximum impact.
Low-sodium chicken broth: It keeps the soup flavorful but lets you control the saltiness.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky note that pairs perfectly with the curry spices.
Quinoa: Rinsed thoroughly to avoid bitterness—this little grain makes the soup hearty and healthy.
Cooked shredded chicken: I recommend rotisserie chicken for ease and juicy texture.
Chickpeas: A canned variety works great; just rinse and drain well.
Heavy cream or coconut milk: Adds creaminess and rounds out the spices nicely.
Fresh cilantro: A burst of freshness that finishes the soup beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to mix things up depending on what’s in my fridge or dietary needs, and it always turns out comforting and delicious.

Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for extra chickpeas or cubed firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead. I tried this once for a friend, and even die-hard meat-eaters enjoyed it.
Spice level adjustment: If you love heat, add more cayenne or throw in some fresh chopped jalapeño. If you prefer mild, simply omit the cayenne, and the soup will still taste fantastic.
Vegan adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the chicken or use plant-based chicken alternatives. I personally love the coconut milk version for a subtle tropical twist.
Seasonal veggies: Feel free to swap in diced sweet potatoes, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients when in season.

How to Make Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics with a Burst of Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add diced carrots, chopped onion, bell pepper, and fresh minced ginger. Sauté these until they begin to soften—about 5 minutes. This is where the base flavor builds, so make sure you don’t rush it. Then add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. When I first tried this soup, I underestimated the time spent sautéing the veggies, and the flavors didn’t meld as well, so trust me on this one!

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Next, sprinkle in all your ground spices—coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Stir them in with the veggies, letting them toast gently for about a minute. This step is key to unlocking the full depth of those spices. You’ll notice the kitchen fills with a glorious aroma that tells you you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup and Quinoa

Now it’s time to add the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and the rinsed quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the quinoa is tender and the flavors have melded into a beautiful, slightly thickened broth.

Step 4: Add the Chicken, Chickpeas, and Cream

Stir in your shredded cooked chicken, drained chickpeas, and the cream or coconut milk. Heat through for just about a minute until everything is warmed evenly. This step keeps the chicken tender and the chickpeas creamy without drying anything out. This finishing touch is what gives the soup its luscious, comforting texture.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Cilantro and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro. This brightens every spoonful and adds that final pop of freshness. Serve your Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe warm, and prepare for happy bowls all around!

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Pro Tips for Making Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe

Rinse Your Quinoa Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that not rinsing quinoa leaves a bitter taste, so always rinse under cold water until it runs clear.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and flavor, shredded rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer and saves time during dinner prep.
Toast Spices in the Pot: Toasting just a minute really deepens the flavor, so don’t skip this even if you’re short on time.
Don’t Overcook Quinoa: Keep an eye during simmering; overcooked quinoa can get mushy and lose its pleasant bite.

How to Serve Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful soup showing at least four main layers: the base of creamy yellow-orange broth with a smooth texture, scattered with small pieces of red and orange vegetables; chunks of white chickpeas and diced yellow and red bell peppers resting evenly throughout; shredded chicken pieces with a light beige tone mixed with small quinoa grains giving a slightly bumpy texture; all topped with fresh chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly, sitting on a white marbled surface with a purple cloth nearby, and a silver spoon partially visible near the bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup, healthy curry chicken soup, easy quinoa chicken soup, flavorful chicken and quinoa recipe, comforting curry soup

Garnishes

I always top this soup with extra fresh cilantro because it brings a lovely herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the curry spices. Sometimes I add a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick that my family goes crazy for. Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice heat if you like things a bit spicier. Oh, and toasted pumpkin seeds add a fun crunch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Because this soup is so hearty, I keep sides simple. A crusty baguette or warm naan bread is my go-to—perfect for dipping. On occasion, I serve it with a light cucumber salad dressed with lemon and mint to provide a crisp, cooling contrast. You’ll find those textures complement the soup wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in individual mini pumpkin bowls or bread bowls—it makes the presentation festive and fun, plus the bread soaks up every bit of the luscious broth. Another idea is to garnish with a swirl of coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an elegant touch that guests always remark on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to stir gently before reheating to redistribute the ingredients evenly.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 3 months. I recommend leaving out the cream if you plan to freeze, then stirring it in after reheating to keep the texture silky and fresh.

Reheating

Reheat over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the soup if it thickened too much. If you’ve frozen it without cream, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk at the end to bring back that silky finish I love.

FAQs

Can I make this Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the aromatics and spices on the stove to unlock those flavors, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes, quinoa, chicken, and chickpeas, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and cilantro just before serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free thanks to quinoa and gluten-free broth options just make sure to check your canned ingredients to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I use brown rice or other grains instead of quinoa?

You can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Quinoa is my favorite here because it cooks quickly and gives a nice texture without being heavy.
How spicy is this Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe?

It has a gentle warmth from the cayenne pepper—enough to feel cozy but not overwhelming. You can always adjust the cayenne or add fresh chili peppers to increase the heat to your liking.
Can I make this without chicken?

Yes! For a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the chicken and add extra chickpeas or plant protein like tofu. Using vegetable broth will keep it vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Curry Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe enough—it’s become a staple in my culinary rotation because it’s just so comforting, flavorful, and nourishing all at once. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for a busy week, this soup never disappoints. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying as I do—there’s just nothing like coming home to a warm bowl filled with cozy spices, tender chicken, and hearty quinoa.