Skip to main content

Chicken and Greens Soup

A warming blend of African Heritage spices with quinoa and vegetables makes this chicken soup comforting and full of nutrients.
Image of Chicken and Greens Soup
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 
1 boneless uncooked chicken thigh, cut to bite-sized pieces (about 4 ounces or ½ cup) 
1 cup chopped onion 
½ cup chopped carrot 
3 cloves garlic, minced or ¾ teaspoon garlic powder 
5 cups low-sodium broth (any type) 
3 Tablespoons quinoa (rinse if not pre-rinsed) 
¾ teaspoon turmeric 
¾ to 1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper (see Notes
2 cups chopped leafy greens (try kale, spinach or cabbage, or a mix of any) 
2 teaspoons curry powder 
¼ teaspoon allspice 
½ teaspoon ground ginger 
¼ teaspoon paprika 
¼ teaspoon salt or 2 pieces cooked and chopped turkey bacon

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water. Wash hands, knife and cutting board after touching raw chicken.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat oil on medium.
  4. Add chicken and stir to brown, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in onion, carrot and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring as needed to keep chicken and vegetables from sticking. Add a few tablespoons water, if needed.
  6. Add broth, quinoa, turmeric and cayenne pepper. Bring mixture to a bowl, turn heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Add greens, curry powder, ginger and paprika. Cook for 15 minutes. Add salt or bacon after 10 minutes, if desired.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No chicken thigh? Use about 4 ounces (½ cup) of any type of uncooked chicken or other protein.
  • Use the amount of cayenne pepper that matches your taste for a mild or a spicy soup.
  • Try frozen chopped greens instead of fresh. Add about ½ cup in step 5.
  • No quinoa? Try a different quick-cooking whole grain such as bulgur or instant brown rice or about ¾ cup of any cooked whole grain.

Thanks to the African Heritage Work Group for this recipe.

Comments

Chicken and Greens Soup is satisfying and delicious, especially when made during a winter storm. We thought the spices were right on as written; I picked an amount of cayenne in the middle of the suggested range. I did use frozen greens. We enjoyed it with master mix biscuits for a comforting and healthy meal. Leftovers were excellent for lunch the next day.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fruit Pizza
Cream cheese spread on English muffins with a fresh fruit topping.

Fruit Pizza

A healthy snack or treat, that kids will love to help make and eat!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Roasted Garlic
Heads of golden-brown, tender roasted garlic.

Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic brings out sweet and mellow flavors that go well with many recipes. Freeze extra to keep on hand.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
3 Tablespoons
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oat and raisin cookies are shown on a serving plate.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

A great grab-and-go snack with sweet raisins, warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. No sugar added and kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
14 Cookies
Dry-Roasted Garbanzo Beans
Bowl filled to the brim with baked and seasoned garbanzo beans.

Dry-Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Tasty and flavorful snack idea of crispy beans with lots of spices.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew
bowl of Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Enjoy a bowl of this slow cooker stew that is full of vegetables and umami flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
3 to 8 hours
Makes:
10 cups
Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken
Bowl of noodles, broccoli and chicken with a light sauce and sesame seeds.

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Whole wheat noodles with broccoli and a savory sesame sauce. The perfect meal any night of the week.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.