### Chicken Butternut Squash and Quinoa Soup Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or oregano (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Rinse the chicken breast under cold water.
- Pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
2. **Cooking the Vegetables:**
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrot and celery, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. **Adding Chicken and Butternut Squash:**
- Place the chicken breast in the pot with vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers the ingredients.
- Bring to a simmer and let the chicken cook until fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes).
- Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. **Cooking Quinoa and Butternut Squash:**
- Remove the chicken skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pot, add diced butternut squash to the vegetables.
- Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the squash is soft.
5. **Cooking Quinoa:**
- While the soup simmers, rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot with butternut squash and vegetable broth.
- Cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
6. **Final Touches:**
- Once all ingredients are cooked, return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Stir in fresh thyme or oregano if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.
7. **Serving:**
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess.
#### Tips:
- Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste in the soup.
- Adjust seasoning and spices according to personal preference.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved based on serving needs.
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This detailed guide ensures you have all the necessary steps to create a delicious and nutritious chicken butternut squash and quinoa soup, perfect for any occasion.