Description
This flavorful Curry Chicken and Quinoa Soup combines tender shredded chicken, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a spiced curry broth with a hint of creaminess. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s packed with protein and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 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)
Spices
- 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
Liquids and Protein
- 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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat to create the base for sautéing your vegetables and spices.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced carrots, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced ginger to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add spices: Stir in ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, allowing the spices to toast slightly and deepen in flavor.
- Add liquids and quinoa: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and rinsed quinoa. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and cooked through, approximately 15 minutes.
- Incorporate chicken and chickpeas: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and drained chickpeas, then add the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat the soup through for about 1 minute to meld the flavors and warm the protein.
- Finish and serve: Stir in chopped cilantro for freshness before serving the soup warm.
- Recipe credit: This recipe is sourced from Cooking Classy.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk as suggested.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- If using dry quinoa, ensure it’s thoroughly rinsed to remove any bitterness.
- This soup stores well refrigerated and makes great leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg