Just imagine it; a comforting, hearty soup, full of nutritious ingredients, waiting for you at the end of a long day. This slow cooker quinoa, chicken and kale soup is just that. Loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, hearty beans, and quinoa, this soup is satisfying and delicious.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are easily found in any grocery store. However, quinoa, a high protein grain, might be located in the health food or international food section. The recipe also calls for kale, a leafy vegetable that is usually placed near the lettuce. It is different from lettuce, though, with its dark green, slightly wrinkly leaves.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken, and Kale Soup
Chicken breasts: These provide lean protein, making the soup filling and nutritious.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor to the soup.
Celery: Gives the soup a pleasing crunchy texture.
Garlic: Provides a punch of flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients, adds a rich taste.
Dry quinoa: An ancient grain that adds a unique texture and is a great source of protein.
Thyme: An herb that gives the soup a delicate, slightly floral flavor.
Rosemary: Another herb with a pine-like flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth: The base of the soup, provides a lot of the flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste.
Great northern beans: Add a creamy texture and are a good source of protein and fiber.
Kale: A highly nutritious leafy green, it adds color and texture to the soup.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the flavor of the soup.
Parmesan cheese: Serves as a garnish, adds a sharp, salty flavor.
One reader, Darcey Boudreau says:
This slow cooker quinoa, chicken, and kale soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so easy to make. The chicken is tender, and the kale adds a nice crunch. It's a healthy and hearty meal that's perfect for busy days. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques Required for This Recipe
How to cook the chicken in the slow cooker: The chicken breasts should be placed in the slow cooker and cooked with the onions, celery, and garlic, drizzled with olive oil.
How to prepare the quinoa: The quinoa should be added to the slow cooker along with the thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth.
How to add the additional ingredients: After the chicken is cooked, it should be removed, cut into bite-size pieces, and returned to the soup. Then, the beans, kale, parsley, and lemon juice should be added.
How to finish the soup: The soup should be cooked for an additional 10 to 20 minutes on high until the kale reaches the desired doneness.
How to serve the soup: The soup should be served warm and topped with parmesan cheese.
How To Make Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup
This kale soup is full of vitamins, nutrients, & proteins, thanks to the chicken, beans, & quinoa. This is a dish that’s good for your tummy & your health.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼lbschicken breasts,boneless skinless
- 1¼cupsyellow onion,chopped
- 1cupcelery,chopped
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ¾cupdry quinoa
- ½tspthyme,dried
- ½tsprosemary,dried, crushed
- 7cupslow sodium chicken broth
- salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- 15½ozgreat northern beans,or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4cupspacked kale,roughly chopped
- 3tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- 2tbspfresh lemon juice
- parmesan cheese,finely shredded, for serving
Instructions
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Add chicken to a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker, then add onions, celery and garlic, then drizzle with olive oil.
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Add quinoa, thyme, rosemary and pour in chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover and cook on High for 3½ to 4 hours or Low for 7 to 8 hours.
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Remove chicken, let rest 10 minutes, then cut into bite size pieces and return to soup. Meanwhile, add in beans, kale, parsley and lemon juice.
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Cover and continue to cook on High for another 10 to 20 minutes until kale has reached desired doneness.
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Serve warm topped with parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 439.08kcal
- Fat: 16.75g
- Saturated Fat: 3.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.58g
- Carbohydrates: 39.14g
- Fiber: 6.85g
- Sugar: 3.45g
- Protein: 35.02g
- Cholesterol: 60.48mg
- Sodium: 1267.52mg
- Calcium: 115.58mg
- Potassium: 1016.66mg
- Iron: 4.03mg
- Vitamin A: 88.61µg
- Vitamin C: 21.98mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing This Soup
When preparing the kale for this soup, make sure to remove the tough stems and only use the leaves. The stems can be quite fibrous and tough, even after slow cooking. To do this, simply hold the kale stem in one hand and strip the leaves off with your other hand. This will ensure a more pleasant texture in your soup. Additionally, when adding the lemon juice, make sure to do so at the end of the cooking process. Adding it too early can cause the soup to become bitter.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time.
Quick release pressure: If using a pressure cooker, quick release the pressure to speed up the cooking process.
Double batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
One-pot meal: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe, providing a similar texture and taste.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, offering a slightly milder flavor while still providing the aromatic base for the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can be used as a substitute for celery, adding a hint of licorice flavor and a crunchy texture to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a mild and sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in the soup.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil, offering a similar richness and health benefits for cooking the ingredients.
quinoa - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice can be used as a substitute for quinoa, providing a nutty flavor and a hearty texture to the soup.
thyme - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram can be used as a substitute for thyme, offering a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor to the soup.
rosemary - Substitute with sage: Sage can be used as a substitute for rosemary, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the soup.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for low sodium chicken broth, adding a savory depth of flavor to the soup while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
great northern beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for great northern beans, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor to the soup.
kale - Substitute with swiss chard: Swiss chard can be used as a substitute for kale, providing a similar hearty green that holds up well in the soup and offers a slightly milder flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley, adding a bright and citrusy flavor to the soup.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for fresh lemon juice, providing a tangy acidity to the soup.
How to Beautifully Present Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use the vibrant colors of the kale and beans to create a beautiful contrast against the white of the chicken and quinoa.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the soup just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that will impress the judges.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, add a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to the soup. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use a sophisticated serving bowl: Choose a high-quality, elegant bowl to serve the soup. The presentation should be as impressive as the flavors.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan: Just before serving, grate a small amount of fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the soup. This adds a touch of richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Consider the placement of the ingredients: When plating, consider the placement of the chicken, quinoa, and kale. Each ingredient should be carefully arranged to showcase the layers of flavors in the dish.
Use a lemon wedge as a garnish: Place a small wedge of lemon on the edge of the bowl. This not only adds a pop of color but also allows the judges to customize the flavor to their liking.
Attention to detail in the soup: Ensure that the soup is ladled into the bowl with precision and care. The judges will appreciate the attention to detail in the presentation of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Soup Recipe
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop cooking appliance that allows for long, slow cooking at low temperatures. It's perfect for simmering soups and stews without needing constant attention.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the chicken, onions, celery, and garlic.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like quinoa, broth, and lemon juice.
- Large spoon or ladle: This is used for stirring and serving the soup.
- Tongs: Tongs are useful for removing the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Soup ladle: A ladle is essential for serving the finished soup into bowls.
- Grater: A grater is used for grating fresh parmesan cheese to top the soup.
- Cooking utensils: Various cooking utensils such as spatulas and stirring spoons are needed for cooking and stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftover Soup
Let the quinoa, chicken and kale soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and potentially spoiling the soup.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags designed for freezing liquids.
- Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
- To maximize storage time, remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing.
When freezing, portion the soup into individual servings for convenient thawing and reheating. This way, you can easily grab a single portion when needed.
The quinoa, chicken and kale soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the quinoa and kale may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
To reheat the frozen soup, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the soup gently in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you prefer, you can also reheat the frozen soup directly from the freezer. Place the frozen soup in a pot and heat it over low heat, stirring frequently, until it has melted and is heated through. Adjust the consistency with a little water or chicken broth if needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Reheat the soup in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without overcooking the quinoa, chicken, or kale.
If you prefer to use the microwave, transfer the desired portion of soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly before reheating. This will create a smoother consistency and help the ingredients heat more evenly. After blending, reheat the soup in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave as described above.
If the soup has thickened after refrigeration, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help restore the original consistency of the soup without diluting the flavor.
To add extra flavor and freshness to the reheated soup, garnish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Interesting Fact About Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup
The slow cooker quinoa, chicken and kale soup recipe is a nutritious and hearty meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. This soup is a great way to incorporate nutrient-rich kale into your diet, as it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins K, A, and C. Additionally, quinoa is a complete protein, making this soup a satisfying and wholesome dish. The combination of flavors and textures in this soup creates a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any time of the year. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this chicken soup!
Is Making This Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker quinoa, chicken and kale soup recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as quinoa, chicken, kale, and beans, are affordable and provide a substantial yield. The recipe's versatility allows for easy customization based on available ingredients, reducing waste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its nutritional value, ease of preparation, and economical nature.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker quinoa, chicken, and kale soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Here's why:
- Protein-rich ingredients: Chicken breast and quinoa provide lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Fiber-packed elements: Kale, great northern beans, and quinoa offer a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
- Nutrient-dense vegetables: Onion, celery, garlic, and kale contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the soup.
- Heart-healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health.
- Low-sodium broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall salt content of the dish.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this already healthy soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the variety of nutrients and flavors.
- Swap out half of the chicken broth with water to further reduce the sodium content without compromising taste.
- Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful and tender meat option, while still keeping the dish lean.
- Experiment with different types of kale, such as lacinato or red kale, to introduce varying textures and subtle flavor nuances.
- Serve the soup with a side salad or a piece of whole-grain bread to round out the meal and add extra fiber.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Soup Recipe
This slow cooker quinoa, chicken, and kale soup recipe is a wholesome and flavorful dish. The combination of tender chicken, nutty quinoa, and hearty kale creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. The use of aromatic herbs and fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the soup, while the addition of creamy parmesan cheese brings a rich and savory element. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and delicious soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup
Why trust this Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a wholesome and nutritious meal, featuring chicken for lean protein, quinoa for a healthy grain, and kale for essential vitamins and minerals. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, creating a comforting and satisfying soup. With the addition of thyme and rosemary, the aromatic herbs infuse the dish with warmth and depth. The use of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice adds a burst of freshness. Trust in the combination of these quality ingredients to deliver a delicious and nourishing meal.
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