There’s nothing quite like coming home on a chilly evening, slipping off your coat, and catching the aroma of something warm and inviting bubbling away on the stove. That’s the magic of this Smoky Chicken Quinoa Soup hearty, nourishing, and infused with the kind of flavors that remind you of both comfort food and healthy living.
This isn’t just another chicken soup. It’s a high-protein bowl of goodness that blends tender chicken breast, fluffy quinoa, black beans, and vegetables with smoky paprika and cumin. The result? A one-pot wonder that feels indulgent yet fits seamlessly into healthy meal prep soups and healthy soup recipes clean eating low carb meal plans.
Whether you’re looking for low fat soups and stews for busy weeknights, soups for Super Bowl that won’t weigh everyone down, or even a slow cook soup healthy option for meal prep Sundays, this recipe checks all the boxes.
✨ This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chicken Quinoa Soup
- 🕒 Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes.
- 🍲 Wholesome and filling – packed with protein and fiber.
- 🌱 Veggie-loaded – a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables.
- 🔥 Flavorful and smoky – paprika and cumin make every bite bold.
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly – even picky eaters will love it.
- 💚 Versatile – works for soups low calorie diets, game days, or weeknight dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make this soup a success, here are the essentials:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – wide enough to cook chicken evenly and let quinoa expand.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – for chopping onion, garlic, and vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon – perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accuracy in seasoning and quinoa.
- Ladle – to serve generous, cozy bowls.
Optional: A slow cooker or Instant Pot if you’d like a hands-off slow cook soup healthy version.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, shredded cheese, lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the base – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken – Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add flavor – Stir in red bell pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin, coating the chicken and vegetables in spice.
- Build the soup – Add quinoa, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil.
- Simmer – Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
- Taste & season – Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices if you prefer it smokier or spicier.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro (and optional toppings like avocado or lime).
Smoky Chicken Quinoa Soup
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast diced
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 1 can black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnish
- optional toppings avocado slices, shredded cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the base – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken – Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add flavor – Stir in red bell pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin, coating the chicken and vegetables in spice.
- Build the soup – Add quinoa, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil.
- Simmer – Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
- Taste & season – Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices if you prefer it smokier or spicier.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like avocado or lime.
Notes
How to Serve Smoky Chicken Quinoa Soup
This soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
- With warm crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
- As a centerpiece in a soups and salad diet meal pair with a crisp green salad.
- In smaller bowls as part of a soups for Super Bowl spread.
- Over rice or cauliflower rice for extra bulk.
- Topped with shredded cheese, avocado, or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Rinse quinoa well – This removes the natural bitterness.
- Go smoky – Don’t be shy with smoked paprika; it defines the flavor.
- Batch cook – Double the recipe for healthy meal prep soups during the week.
- Spice it up – Add jalapeños or chili powder if you like heat.
- Veggie swap – Use zucchini, corn, or spinach if you don’t have red peppers.
- Slow cook option – Add all ingredients (except cilantro) to a crockpot and cook on low 6 hours.
Best Pairings / Side Dishes
This soup pairs well with cozy sides that balance flavor and texture:
- Rustic sourdough bread – for dunking into the smoky broth.
- Avocado salad – creamy and cooling next to the heat.
- Roasted sweet potatoes – a nourishing and sweet complement.
- Homemade salsa – adds a bright kick.
💡 This smoky soup also pairs beautifully with my Creamy Beef Pasta for a fresh, balanced meal that combines comfort with health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken – it should stay tender, not dry.
- Forgetting to rinse quinoa – bitter quinoa can ruin the flavor.
- Adding cilantro too early – always garnish fresh for best taste.
- Using too much salt – broth and beans may already contain sodium.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Portion into containers and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed. Microwave for quick meals.
FAQs
1. Can I make Smoky Chicken Quinoa Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for more beans or tofu for a plant-powered version.
2. Is this soup good for weight loss?
Absolutely it’s one of the best soups low calorie options that’s still filling thanks to high protein and fiber.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shred it and add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, it makes a perfect slow cook soup healthy option. Just add ingredients and let it simmer while you go about your day.
Final Thoughts (Emma’s Voice)
This Smoky Chicken Quinoa Soup is one of those recipes that makes you feel good inside and out. It’s hearty without being heavy, nourishing without being boring, and smoky enough to make every bite exciting.
It’s become a family favorite in my kitchen one of those soups I come back to again and again when I want a bowl that feels both indulgent and healthy. I hope you’ll love it just as much.
💌 If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!