Hearty High-Protein Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Hearty chicken and quinoa soup delivers a powerful protein punch that’ll keep you satisfied for hours.

Nutritionists love this balanced meal packed with essential nutrients.

Each spoonful brings together lean proteins and vibrant vegetables in a comforting blend.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this soup comes together with minimal effort.

The combination of tender chicken and nutty quinoa creates a delightful texture that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Winter evenings call for warm, nourishing bowls that fuel your body and delight your taste buds.

Grab a ladle and enjoy a bowl that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.

Why High-Protein Soup Recipe Keeps You Full And Warm

• Quickly Boost Protein Intake: This soup delivers a powerful protein punch, perfect for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone looking to increase their daily protein consumption without sacrificing flavor.
• Effortlessly Customize Meal Prep: The recipe allows simple modifications, letting home cooks add extra vegetables, swap chicken for other proteins, or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Speed Through Weeknight Cooking: With just 20-25 minutes total preparation and cooking time, this soup becomes a go-to solution for busy families seeking nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Simplify Healthy Eating: Packed with lean protein and potentially adaptable with various vegetables, this recipe supports balanced nutrition while remaining deliciously satisfying and easy to prepare.

Everything You Need For High-Protein Soup Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source that adds substantial nutrition and hearty flavor to the soup. Look for fresh, boneless cuts with minimal fat.
• Eggs: Provide additional protein boost and creamy texture. Large, fresh eggs work best.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that helps brown chicken and develop deep flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
• Onions: Classic soup base that adds sweetness and depth. White or yellow onions are ideal.
• Garlic: Provides intense, savory undertone with powerful health benefits. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the soup's foundational liquid. Low-sodium chicken broth offers better flavor control. Filtered water ensures clean taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile. Kosher or sea salt recommended for balanced seasoning.

Steps To Make High-Protein Soup Recipe Fast

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Base Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet, warming aroma.

Step 2: Brown Chicken for Extra Flavor

Add chicken breasts to the pot. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, creating a delicious caramelized exterior. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

• Diced celery
• Chopped bell peppers
• Fresh thyme
• Dried oregano

Add these ingredients to the pot and stir, allowing them to mingle with the existing flavors. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Create Liquid Gold

• Chicken broth
• Water
• White wine (optional)

Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the delicious browned bits that will add depth to your soup.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer gently. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Shred and Season

Remove chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips To Get High-Protein Soup Recipe Just Right

• Sear Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Brown chicken breasts thoroughly to create a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in rich, deep taste and adds complexity to the soup's overall profile.
• Slice Chicken Strategically: Cut chicken into uniform pieces after initial searing to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat during chicken preparation to prevent burning while achieving a perfect golden-brown color that enhances the meat's natural flavors.
• Avoid Overcooking Protein: Remove chicken from the pot when it's just browned, as it will continue cooking later in the soup, preventing dry or tough meat texture.
• Prep Ahead for Quick Meals: Consider pre-searing chicken breasts in advance and storing them in the refrigerator to streamline your soup-making process and reduce overall cooking time.

How To Store High-Protein Soup Recipe Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its delicious texture.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for convenient meals later, keeping the soup fresh for 2-3 months.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore its original consistency and prevent separation of ingredients.

Perfect Pairings For High-Protein Soup Recipe

• Boost with Bold Red Wine: Pair this high-protein soup with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich chicken flavors, cutting through the soup's heartiness with its tannic structure.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette to soak up the delicious broth, adding textural contrast and extra carbohydrate satisfaction to the protein-packed meal.
• Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh parsley, dill, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the soup's deep, savory profile.
• Crisp White Wine Alternative: For wine lovers preferring white, choose a minerally Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay that offers clean, refreshing notes to balance the soup's richness.

High-Protein Soup Recipe Variations To Keep It Fresh

• Veggie Power Protein Soup: Swap chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein boost. Add extra firm tofu chunks and sauté until golden brown before continuing with the recipe.
• Spicy Mediterranean Protein Soup: Incorporate diced lamb instead of chicken. Season with cumin, paprika, and fresh oregano to give the soup a rich, warm Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Seafood Protein Punch: Replace chicken with firm white fish like cod or halibut. Quickly sear the fish pieces and gently fold them into the soup during the final cooking stage to prevent overcooking.
• Lean Turkey Protein Soup: Use ground turkey or turkey breast cut into small pieces as an alternative protein source. Season with thyme and sage to enhance the meat's natural flavor and create a hearty, comforting soup.

FAQs For High-Protein Soup Recipe Answered Clearly

• Why is browning the chicken important before adding it to the soup?

Browning the chicken creates a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the soup. It also helps seal in the chicken’s natural juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, lean beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain the protein’s texture and flavor.

• How can I make this soup even more protein-packed?

Consider adding additional protein sources like white beans, lentils, quinoa, or a sprinkle of cheese on top. These ingredients can boost the protein content and make the soup more filling and nutritious.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This high-protein soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated. It’s perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week as a quick, nutritious meal.

High-Protein Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Protein-packed “Hearty Harvest Soup” delivers a comforting culinary experience with robust Mediterranean flavors. Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul while delighting your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or spinach (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, creating a sizzling foundation for the protein-rich soup.
2. Carefully place chicken breasts into the heated oil, achieving a golden-brown exterior on each side while developing a rich, caramelized flavor profile.
3. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a separate plate, allowing it to rest momentarily while preparing the next cooking phase.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein source that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during the initial browning stage.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor development.
• Allow chicken to rest after initial browning, which helps retain moisture and ensures more tender meat in the final soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg