Comfort in a bowl: Chicken breast with leftover quinoa and cream of mushroom soup recipe

Chicken recipe:

Chicken Creamy soups can be one of the nearest to a hearty and warm meal. The taste of this Leftover Quinoa Chicken Breast and Cream of Mushroom Soup is not only tasty but also wonderful in using leftover quinoa in making something rather special. This soft chicken, earthy flavor recipe about mushrooms will surely warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Why Use This Recipe?

Chicken recipe:

1. Flexibility:

This is one very versatile recipe. It’s free for you to make it your way as per your preferences and with whatever ingredients you have on hand. If you want variations in the vegetables, the protein, or the grain, you can make this soup into something you enjoy.

2. Nutritious:

This soup is nutritious and filling due to the diverse nutrients it offers; in this case, because of the chicken and quinoa content and the vitamins and minerals from the mushrooms and other vegetables you may add.

3. Easy preparation:

This is an incredibly easy recipe with minimal prep so that it can be made on a weeknight or weekend without much work and it cooks in one pot which just means you’ll clean up one pot after dinner instead of several at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Chicken recipe:

To Make the Soup:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup leftover cooked quinoa
• tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup carrots, diced
• cup celery, diced
• A cup frozen peas or spinach
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional to add extra depth)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Chicken recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Collect all your ingredients. If using cooked leftover chicken, shred or cut up into chunks. Measure out your cooked quinoa, and your broth. Fresh vegetables should be roughly chopped so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a big pot or Dutch oven, put a little olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion. Sauté about 3-4 minutes until it is transparent. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and all liquid has evaporated. Mushrooms will add intense, earthy flavors to the soup.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

If you are using any of the optional vegetables, add your carrots and celery. Sauté for 5 additional minutes until they begin to soften. This is when the flavors will be deepened and more nutrients will be added to your soup.

Step 5: Add Broth and Seasoning

Add chicken or vegetable broth; stir well. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste. Heat slowly to a boil and then reduce heat, letting it simmer for about 10 minutes with all the flavors melting into each other nicely and perfectly.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Quinoa Stir together

Chicken recipe:

Once the broth is warm, add in the shredded chicken and cooked quinoa. Stir to combine well. Let that simmer for another 5 minutes, heating through.

Step 7: Creaminess

Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat down to a low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream to it. At this point, you should add that non-dairy alternative, if you are using one. Warm the soup over low heat. Do not let it boil. Taste and add salt if needed.

Ladle soup into bowls, topping with fresh parsley. These add not only a pop of color but freshness to the dish. Finish the meal with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips for Success:

Chicken recipe:

• Rotisserie Chicken Use: If the above hassle is too much, rotisserie chicken is a great store-buy item that saves time and brings in tons of flavor.
• Add in Your Favorite Vegetables: Throw in any vegetables you like or need to use. Zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers all will be great.
• Make Ahead: This soup will be kept for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat to serve.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze some for later. Cool it completely first. Pack the cooled soup in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Benefits:

Chicken recipe:

Chicken:

This breast meat contains protein, which supports muscle repair and healthy well-being. The minerals found in it include B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

Quinoa:

Quinoa is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. This grain is so full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals; it stands out as one of the best nutrient-rich grains.

Mushroom:

Mushrooms contain almost zero calories but are filled with vitamins and minerals. It provides antioxidants and enhances immune mechanisms as one continues to live.

Cream:

Something you indulge with, but can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if calorie- or fat-reduction is important to you.

Variations to Try:

Chicken recipe:

1. Spicy Kick:

To the person in need of having their soup spiced up a notch, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to it for a kick. This will elevate the flavors and add an exciting twist to the soup.

2. Herbal Notes:

Add some fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill in the last stages of making your soup, which will give it a different flavor. This way, it gives a refreshing aroma to your soup.

3. Cheesy Pleasure:

Mix grated Parmesan, cheddar, or any favorite cheese with cream. You are going to have an additional layer of taste resulting in a deliciously creamy cheesy soup.

4. Lemon Zest:

Just before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of grated lemon zest to put a bright note on the dish, illuminating its flavors in general.

Serve it with These:

Chicken recipe:

This Chicken Breast and Leftover Quinoa Cream of Mushroom Soup will be stunning on its own, but it pairs fantastic with these sides as well:

• Crusty Bread: You want to use some good sourdough or whole-grain loaf for dipping.
• Salad: This light salad of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes served with vinaigrette completes this hearty soup.
• Grilled Cheese: This comes with a grilled cheese sandwich, the nostalgic combination.

Conclusion:

Chicken recipe:

This chicken breast and leftover quinoa cream of mushroom soup recipe is much more than just a food recipe-it’s comforting food that will bring in that warmth and satisfaction. Its creamy texture, its robust flavors, and all the nutritious benefits make this one of the best dishes to enjoy during some winter evenings when comfort food is needed.

It also uses up leftover quinoa and chicken, and you are left to your imagination as to what other ingredients you want to throw in. The next time you have a hankering for a warm, comforting dinner, try this soup. You won’t be disappointed! Satisfaction in every spoonful is guaranteed!