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A warm bowl of chicken soup with spring vegetables, quinoa, and lemon, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Alyssa

Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies

Light and deliciously flavorful, this chicken soup with spring veggies and a kiss of lemon offers a bit of sunshine in a bowl—it’s super cozy and healthy!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 417

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 leek, quartered, and white part sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
  • 4 cups warm chicken stock/broth
  • 1 cup fresh English peas (or frozen peas)
  • 1 cup baby zucchini, small dice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/4 cup chopped, fresh basil leaves
  • 4 pieces lemon wedges, garnish

Method
 

  1. Place a medium-large soup pot over medium heat, and add in the butter and olive oil; once melted, add in the sliced leek and diced carrots, and sweat for about 3-5 minutes, or until slightly tender and the leeks are becoming translucent.
  2. Add in the garlic, and once that becomes aromatic, add in a pinch or two of salt and pepper, and the herbs de Provence; stir to combine.
  3. Next, add in the warm chicken stock or broth, and bring to a gentle simmer; cover partially with a lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
  4. Turn the heat off; add in the English peas (or frozen peas), the diced baby zucchini, the shredded or cubed chicken, and the lemon zest and juice; stir to combine, and allow the peas/zucchini to become crisp-tender and bright green in the hot stock, about 3-4 minutes; check to see if additional salt or pepper is needed.
  5. To serve, add about 1/2 cup of the cooked quinoa to a bowl, and ladle some of the soup with the veggies and chicken over top; sprinkle over some of the fresh basil, and squeeze in some additional lemon juice from the lemon wedge garnish, if desired.