High Protein Chicken Soup Hearty and Nutritious Meal

October 24, 2025July 19, 2025 by Chloe

Looking for a meal that warms you up and packs a protein punch? My High Protein Chicken Soup is the answer! Full of tender chicken, hearty quinoa, and vibrant veggies, this dish is both nutritious and filling. With easy steps and tips for making it your own, you’ll enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s perfect for any day. Dive in, and let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

High in Protein: This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and quinoa, making it a satisfying meal that supports muscle health.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery, this soup is a great way to boost your daily vegetable intake.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of herbs and lemon juice gives this soup a fresh, vibrant flavor that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables

– 1 large carrot, diced

– 1 celery stalk, diced

– 1 cup spinach, chopped

– 1 onion, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Spices

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Juice of 1 lemon

This high protein chicken soup packs a punch with its hearty ingredients. The cooked shredded chicken breast serves as the main protein source, keeping you full and satisfied. Quinoa adds even more protein while bringing a nutty flavor and chewy texture. For the base, use low-sodium chicken broth to keep it flavorful but not too salty.

The vegetables in this soup are key to its nutrition. I like to use diced carrots and celery for crunch. Spinach adds vibrant color and a wealth of vitamins. Onions and garlic boost the flavor profile. They create a rich, savory foundation for the soup.

For seasoning, I use dried thyme and oregano. These herbs bring warmth and depth to the dish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making the soup irresistible.

Lastly, the olive oil adds healthy fats. The squeeze of lemon juice brightens the soup, balancing the flavors perfectly. Each ingredient is chosen for taste and nutrition, making this soup a nourishing choice for any meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. This step brings out the sweet flavor of the onion. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Cook these for another 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but not lose their crunch.

Cooking the Quinoa

Now, stir in 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix everything well to coat the quinoa with the oil and veggies. Then, pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will cook the quinoa and blend the flavors.

Final Steps

After 15 minutes, add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Let it cook for 5 more minutes, ensuring the chicken is warm. Then, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your hearty and nutritious high protein chicken soup is ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Protein Content

To boost the protein in your soup, consider adding beans or lentils. They add texture and nutrients. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They add rich flavor and more fat.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering is key to a great soup. It helps flavors blend well. Keep the heat low after boiling. This gentle heat keeps the chicken tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For texture, use shredded chicken instead of chunks. This makes every bite enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with whole grain bread for a complete meal. A side salad also adds great crunch. For garnish, use fresh herbs or a slice of lemon. These touches make the dish look beautiful and bright.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your soup.
Cook Quinoa Separately: For a fluffier texture, consider cooking the quinoa separately and adding it just before serving.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking to suit your preference.
Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier.

Variations

Dietary Adaptations

You can easily make this high protein chicken soup fit your needs. If you want gluten-free options, use gluten-free quinoa. It cooks just like regular quinoa and still adds protein. You can also choose gluten-free broth.

For low-carb alternatives, swap quinoa for cauliflower rice. This change cuts carbs and still gives you a nice texture. You can also add more veggies to boost fiber and nutrients.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to spice things up? You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. These will give your soup a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, try adding smoked paprika. It adds depth without too much heat.

Incorporating different herbs can also change the flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can brighten the soup. You can add them at the end for the best taste. Try using fresh dill for a unique twist, too.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch out chicken, try turkey or even tofu. Both options add protein and change the flavor. For a fun twist, you can use lentils instead of quinoa. They are hearty and full of nutrients.

You can also swap vegetables based on what you like. Peas, green beans, or bell peppers can work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you’re using fresh veggies that cook faster.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your leftover soup in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let the soup cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a pot on the stove or a microwave. Heat it until it is steaming hot. Stir it well to warm it evenly.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this soup if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave to thaw it quickly. Just make sure to stir it well as it warms.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your chicken soup stays good for about 4 days. In the freezer, it lasts for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in smell, color, or texture. If it smells off or has mold, throw it away to stay safe.

FAQs

Is this chicken soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken soup is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just ensure you let it cool before storing. Portion it into containers for easy access.

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

Using raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe. Cooked chicken helps add flavor and saves time. If you want to use raw chicken, you need to adjust cooking times. Cook the raw chicken first, then shred it before adding.

What is the protein content per serving?

Each serving of this soup packs around 30 grams of protein. This comes from the chicken and quinoa. It makes this soup a filling meal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To spice up the soup, add red pepper flakes while cooking. Sriracha or hot sauce also works well. You can also toss in diced jalapeños for extra heat. Just remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go.

What are the best ways to customize this chicken soup?

You can customize this soup in many ways. Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Swap quinoa for brown rice or barley for a different texture. You can also change up the herbs, using fresh basil or cilantro for a new flavor twist.

This blog post outlined a simple chicken soup recipe. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, quinoa, and vegetables. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure success. I also offered tips for enhancing the protein content and variations to suit dietary needs.

In closing, this recipe is flexible and full of flavor. Customize it to your taste and enjoy it as a warm meal. Keep it handy for cold days or whenever you need comfor

$- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 large carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon This high protein chicken soup packs a punch with its hearty ingredients. The cooked shredded chicken breast serves as the main protein source, keeping you full and satisfied. Quinoa adds even more protein while bringing a nutty flavor and chewy texture. For the base, use low-sodium chicken broth to keep it flavorful but not too salty. The vegetables in this soup are key to its nutrition. I like to use diced carrots and celery for crunch. Spinach adds vibrant color and a wealth of vitamins. Onions and garlic boost the flavor profile. They create a rich, savory foundation for the soup. For seasoning, I use dried thyme and oregano. These herbs bring warmth and depth to the dish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making the soup irresistible. Lastly, the olive oil adds healthy fats. The squeeze of lemon juice brightens the soup, balancing the flavors perfectly. Each ingredient is chosen for taste and nutrition, making this soup a nourishing choice for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. This step brings out the sweet flavor of the onion. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Cook these for another 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but not lose their crunch. Now, stir in 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix everything well to coat the quinoa with the oil and veggies. Then, pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will cook the quinoa and blend the flavors. After 15 minutes, add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Let it cook for 5 more minutes, ensuring the chicken is warm. Then, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your hearty and nutritious high protein chicken soup is ready to serve! To boost the protein in your soup, consider adding beans or lentils. They add texture and nutrients. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They add rich flavor and more fat. Simmering is key to a great soup. It helps flavors blend well. Keep the heat low after boiling. This gentle heat keeps the chicken tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For texture, use shredded chicken instead of chunks. This makes every bite enjoyable. Pair this soup with whole grain bread for a complete meal. A side salad also adds great crunch. For garnish, use fresh herbs or a slice of lemon. These touches make the dish look beautiful and bright. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your soup. Cook Quinoa Separately: For a fluffier texture, consider cooking the quinoa separately and adding it just before serving. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking to suit your preference. Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier. {{image_2}} You can easily make this high protein chicken soup fit your needs. If you want gluten-free options, use gluten-free quinoa. It cooks just like regular quinoa and still adds protein. You can also choose gluten-free broth. For low-carb alternatives, swap quinoa for cauliflower rice. This change cuts carbs and still gives you a nice texture. You can also add more veggies to boost fiber and nutrients. Want to spice things up? You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. These will give your soup a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, try adding smoked paprika. It adds depth without too much heat. Incorporating different herbs can also change the flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can brighten the soup. You can add them at the end for the best taste. Try using fresh dill for a unique twist, too. If you want to switch out chicken, try turkey or even tofu. Both options add protein and change the flavor. For a fun twist, you can use lentils instead of quinoa. They are hearty and full of nutrients. You can also swap vegetables based on what you like. Peas, green beans, or bell peppers can work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you're using fresh veggies that cook faster. Store your leftover soup in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let the soup cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a pot on the stove or a microwave. Heat it until it is steaming hot. Stir it well to warm it evenly. You can freeze this soup if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave to thaw it quickly. Just make sure to stir it well as it warms. In the fridge, your chicken soup stays good for about 4 days. In the freezer, it lasts for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in smell, color, or texture. If it smells off or has mold, throw it away to stay safe. Yes, this chicken soup is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just ensure you let it cool before storing. Portion it into containers for easy access. Using raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe. Cooked chicken helps add flavor and saves time. If you want to use raw chicken, you need to adjust cooking times. Cook the raw chicken first, then shred it before adding. Each serving of this soup packs around 30 grams of protein. This comes from the chicken and quinoa. It makes this soup a filling meal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake. To spice up the soup, add red pepper flakes while cooking. Sriracha or hot sauce also works well. You can also toss in diced jalapeños for extra heat. Just remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can customize this soup in many ways. Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Swap quinoa for brown rice or barley for a different texture. You can also change up the herbs, using fresh basil or cilantro for a new flavor twist. This blog post outlined a simple chicken soup recipe. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, quinoa, and vegetables. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure success. I also offered tips for enhancing the protein content and variations to suit dietary needs. In closing, this recipe is flexible and full of flavor. Customize it to your taste and enjoy it as a warm meal. Keep it handy for cold days or whenever you need comfort.$