- Chicken Stock (as needed, for adjusting consistency)
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, for a fresh twist)
Incorporating these ingredients into your recipe can help you create a delicious butternut squash chicken quinoa soup that is both flavorful and nutritious. Don't forget to optimize your SEO by including keywords like "butternut squash," "chicken," "quinoa," and "soup" in your blog or website content.
Steps
### Butternut Squash Chicken and Quinoa Soup Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare Ingredients:**
- Peel the butternut squash and cut into small cubes.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the carrot, dice the celery, and slice the mushrooms.
2. **Cook Chicken and Vegetables:**
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. **Sauté Onions and Garlic:**
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
4. **Add Remaining Vegetables:**
- Add grated carrot, diced celery, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
5. **Incorporate Broth and Spices:**
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. **Add Butternut Squash and Quinoa:**
- Add the diced butternut squash back into the pot. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until squash is tender.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then add to the soup along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Let it cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes or until the quinoa is fully cooked.
7. **Combine Chicken:**
- Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring that it’s heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
8. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:**
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
9. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your nutritious butternut squash chicken and quinoa soup!
#### Tips for SEO:
- Include keywords like "butternut squash", "quinoa soup", "chicken broth" to optimize the recipe's visibility on search engines.
- Use subheadings to break down steps, making it easy for readers to find specific information quickly.
- Add bullet points where possible to list ingredients and instructions.
This hearty butternut squash chicken and quinoa soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for a chilly day or a cozy dinner night!