• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Posh Plate

Healthy Feel-Good Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • By Diet
    • Vegetarian
    • Paleo
      • Paleo Breakfast
      • Paleo Soups & Stews
      • Paleo Salads
      • Paleo Dinners
      • Paleo Desserts
    • Dairy Free
      • Dairy Free Breakfast
      • Dairy Free Soups & Stews
      • Dairy Free Salads
      • Dairy Free Dinners
      • Dairy Free Desserts
    • Whole30
      • Whole30 Breakfasts
      • Whole30 Soups & Stews
      • Whole30 Salads
      • Whole30 Dinners
      • Whole30 Desserts
    • Gluten Free
      • Gluten Free Breakfast
      • Gluten Free Appetizers
      • Gluten Free Dinners
      • Gluten Free Sides
      • Gluten Free Pasta
      • Gluten Free Chicken and Poultry
      • Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts
      • Gluten Free Cookies
      • Gluten Free Waffles and Pancakes
    • Vegan
  • Drinks + Smoothies
  • Breakfast
  • Soups + Stews
  • Salads
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Home » Soups & Stews » Chicken Quinoa Soup

Chicken Quinoa Soup

Updated February 14, 2023  |  by Jillian  |  6 Comments

DF
GF
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

A picture collage of the finished recipe with text overlay for Pinterest.

Whether you want to recover from a cold, detoxify your body, or want something cozy and delicious, you will love this Chicken Quinoa Soup. Imagine a warm bowl of tender carrots, softened onions, and aromatic, juicy chicken meatballs to warm you up.

It costs about $6.56 to make this soup. The recipe makes six servings for approximately $1.09 per serving.

I love serving a light salad like this Dandelion Salad with Avocado Ceasar Dressing with this soup.

The finished Chicken Quinoa Soup in a white soup bowl.

There is nothing better than a bowl of soup on a cold day or when you are under the weather. Especially when it is a bowl of chicken soup.

But this Chicken Soup is taken up a notch with the addition of quinoa and even some spinach or greens of your choice. Quinoa is a superfood that adds depth and flavor to any dish.

This soup is filling, nutritious, and packed full of protein and veggies, and full of protein. Chicken Soup with Quinoa is the ultimate meal made in just one pot! 

Ingredients and Estimated Cost:

Recipe Cost: $6.56
Per Serving Cost: $1.09
  • 1 cup fresh parsley – $0.88
  • 1 cup quinoa – $1.49
  • 1 medium onion – $0.62
  • 1 thumb of ginger – $0.02
  • ¾ cup carrots – $0.21
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt – $0.08
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey – $2.92
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – $0.05
  • 2 teaspoons dried garlic powder – $0.06
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – $0.06
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil – $0.10
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric – $0.07

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the prices for this recipe in February 2023.

How To Make Chicken Quinoa Soup

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

  1. First, mix together the ground meat, chopped parsley, spices, and salt and pepper. 
  2. Use a Tablespoon to form the meat into meatballs and set them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for ten minutes. 
  3. Turn the stove to medium-high heat and drizzle two Tablespoons of olive oil into a large pot. Add in the meatballs and cook until they become golden brown. 
  4. Then, remove the meatballs from the pan and add the onions, carrots, ginger, salt, and pepper. Saute until the onions are soft. 
  5. Next, add the quinoa and saute for one minute. 
  6. Add the meatballs back to the pot, followed by eight cups of water or broth. Put the lid on and bring the soup to a boil. 
  7. Lower the heat to low and cook for about thirty minutes until the quinoa is nice. 
  8. Finally, stir in some fresh greens before garnishing with wedges of lime or lemons and chopped parsley for serving. 
A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Recipe Variations

  • To add bright flavor to the soup, serve with lime or lemon wedges.
  • To add more nutrition to the soup, add greens like spinach, Tuscan kale, arugula, or dandelion greens (all optional).

Storage Tips

Serve: Serve with fresh lime or lemon wedges (optional). You can keep the soup out for no longer than two hours before it needs to be covered and refrigerated.

Store: When it is properly stored, it can last 3 to 4 days.

Freeze: Properly stored, chicken soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to use air-tight bags.

Recipe FAQs

Is quinoa healthy?

Yes! Quinoa contains protein, B vitamins, and iron. Fun fact—quinoa originates in Peru and Bolivia.

Can you overcook quinoa in soup?

Yes, you can overcook quinoa. Be sure to follow the instructions to avoid overcooking it. If it is overcooked, it will become mushy.

What happens if you don’t rinse quinoa before cooking?

It is important to rinse the dry quinoa before adding it to the soup. Rinsing before cooking helps remove saponin that coats the tiny seeds.

A close up picture of the Chicken Quinoa Soup in a white pot.

More Soups & Stews

  • Instant Pot Kuru Fasulye
  • Mediterranean Lamb Stew
  • Farro Soup
  • Creamy Pumpkin Lentil Soup
  • Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Cannellini Beans
  • Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup
Quinoa Chicken Soup in a white bowl with a spoon.

Chicken Quinoa Soup

Recipe Cost 6.56
Serving Cost 1.09
Course dinner
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 58 mins
Servings 6 people
Recipe Cost $ 6.56
Serving Cost $ 1.09
Prevent your screen from going dark
Whether you want to recover from a cold, detoxify your body, or want something cozy and delicious, you will love this Chicken Quinoa Soup.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Share Recipe

Ingredients
 

FOR THE SOUP:

  • ½ cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 thumb of ginger finely chopped
  • ¾ cup carrots small dice
  • 2 tsp kosher salt

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

  • 1 lbs of ground chicken or turkey
  • ½ cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp kosher salt plus more to adjust
  • pepper to taste
  • 8 cups water OR low-sodium chicken broth

OPTIONAL ADD-INS:

  • 2 handfuls spinach, dandelion greens, arugula, or Tuscan kale
  • lime wedges

Instructions

MAKE CHICKEN MEATBALLS:

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, chopped parsley, all the spices, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
  • Form the meat into meatballs using a tablespoon to ensure each one will finish cooking at the same time.
  • Place each ball onto a baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes, just enough time to help them hold their shape (because we are not using traditional binders like eggs and flour).

COOK MEATBALLS:

  • Turn the stove to medium-high heat and drizzle about 2 tbsp olive oil into a large pot.
  • Add the meatballs and cook just until they become golden brown (they do not have to be fully cooked at this point).

MAKE SOUP:

  • Next, remove the meatballs from the pan. Add the onions, carrots, ginger, salt, and pepper, and saute until the onions are soft and translucent. 
  • When ready, add the dried quinoa and saute for an additional minute. 
  • Add the browned meatballs to the pot with 8 cups of water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
  • Put on the lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to low and slowly cook until the quinoa is nice and fluffy, about 30 minutes.

TO FINISH:

  • In the end, I like to taste for salt (add more if necessary) and add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice (optional).
  • If you'd like, stir in two handfuls of spinach, dandelion greens, arugula, or Tuscan kale.
  • Serve immediately.

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
large pot
Wooden mixing spoon

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 23gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 1609mgPotassium: 547mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3546IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?

Make sure to tag @PoshPlateRecipes on Instagram for more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

posted in: $10 Recipe, Chicken and Poultry, Dairy Free, Dairy Free Soups & Stews, Dairy-Free Recipes, Dinner, Gluten Free, Gluten-Free Dinners, Soups, Soups & Stews

Previous
Instant Pot Kuru Fasulye (Turkish Stew)
Next
Almond Flour Pancakes

Reader Interactions

    Leave A Reply! Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Traci says

    This recipe is 100% worth it to make. I love the flavors and textures – they all play so nicely together. Thanks for sharing another winner!

    Reply
  2. justine says

    Have made this with chicken and sausage balls too, both were a hit.

    Reply
  3. Charles says

    Hi,
    This is an amazing recipe that looks both delicious and healthy! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. TAYLER ROSS says

    I made this soup for dinner last night and it was delicious! So comforting!

    Reply
  5. Whitney says

    The chicken meatballs are so flavorful and adding kale to the soup is a great idea. So delicious!!

    Reply
  6. Anna says

    I never thought about quinoa in a soup, that’s worth trying. Healthy protein.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Newsletter

Recipes In Your Inbox

Subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest healthy feel-good recipes.

Thank you for subscribing!

Recipe Key

  • V
    Vegetarian
  • VG
    Vegan
  • GF
    Gluten-Free
  • P
    Paleo
  • DF
    Dairy-Free
  • W30
    Whole30
  • NS
    Naturally Sweetened

Recent Posts

  • Simple Guacamole Recipe (with tips!)
  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice
  • Almond Flour Pancakes
  • Chicken Quinoa Soup

Featured Recipes

  • The finished Stuffed Sweet Potatoes in a Pyrex baking dish.
    Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Whole30)
  • A spoon dipping into a jar of homemade Coconut Butter.
    Homemade Coconut Butter Recipe
  • An overhead picture of the finished Picadillo Recipe in a pan.
    Best Picadillo Recipe
  • The finished creamy cucumber salad in a blue serving bowl.
    Creamy Cucumber and Avocado Salad
  • A stack of four coconut butter cups on top of each other.
    Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups – 3 Ingredients!
  • healthy-chia-pudding-posh-plate
    Almond Joy Chia Pudding (non-dairy)

Meet Jillian

Welcome to Posh Plate, where I serve you feel-good recipes that nourish you from the inside out. Posh Plate recipes are practical, with everyday ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. More about me here!

Get Connected

follow

Newsletter

Recipes In Your Inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Recipes

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dressings + Sauces
  • Drinks + Smoothies
  • Salads
  • Soups & Stews
  • Healthy Desserts

Diet

  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Naturally Sweetened
  • Paleo
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Vegetarian

Social

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
Posh Plates Logo
©2023, Posh Plate. All Rights Reserved.
About Recipe Index Privacy Policy
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×
Newsletter

Recipes In Your Inbox

Subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest healthy feel-good recipes.

Thank you for subscribing!