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The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Spinach Soup: Healthy & Delicious

A steaming bowl of chicken spinach soup garnished with fresh herbs.
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This chicken spinach soup is a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. It’s easy to customize with different ingredients and can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions:

  • For a heartier soup: Add ½ cup cooked rice or quinoa.
  • For a creamy version: Stir in ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream.
  • For extra protein: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • For a low-carb option: Replace carrots with zucchini or cauliflower.
  • For a vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Dice the carrots, celery, and onion.
  • Mince the garlic.
  • Chop the spinach into smaller pieces.
  • If using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces or cook it whole and shred later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and paprika. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf.
  • If using raw chicken, add it to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Add the Spinach & Final Seasoning

  • Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes.
  • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding spinach at the end.
  • Instant Pot Option: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Spinach Soup, Healthy Chicken Soup, Spinach Chicken Broth, Easy Chicken Soup Recipe, Homemade Spinach Soup

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