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)

Blueberry Crisp
A dish of baked blueberries with a golden oat topping.

Blueberry Crisp

This low-sugar dessert is made with whole-grain oats, warm cinnamon spice and sweet berries. More berries than topping lets the fruit shine!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Stovetop Popcorn
Bowls of popcorn served with seaweed and seasonings.

Stovetop Popcorn

Homemade popcorn in just a few minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Easy Meatballs
Baking dish of meatballs in a creamy sauce.

Easy Meatballs

Oats and veggies make these a great variation on traditional meatballs.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
24 meatballs
Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili
Colorful bowls of thick chili served with green onion.

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili

This simple-to-make and healthy slow cooker chili is full of flavor. Substitute any vegetables you have on hand and freeze extras for an easy lunch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
2 to 6 hours
Makes:
12 cups
Lemony Garbanzo Bean Dip
Garbanzo bean dip garnished with cilantro and served with crackers.

Lemony Garbanzo Bean Dip

Quick easy homemade bean dip, perfect for a party appetizer or afterschool snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Black Bean Brownies (without flour)
Black bean brownies on a plate.

Black Bean Brownies (without flour)

Black beans are the special ingredient in these moist and not-too-sweet brownies.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces
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.