Chicken Soup
Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Quinoa is one of my favorite soups and anyone who’s tried it, has requested the recipe.  Besides being gluten free, it’s a vitamin-packed comfort food that is perfect for the cold winter months. Bonus:  it re-heats well, so make a double batch, you’ll be glad you did!

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 1 1/2 lbs Chicken organic, boneless skinless breast
  • 1 1/2 lbs Butternut squash
  • 1/4 cup Flat-leaf parsley, fresh
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp Oregano, dried
  • 1 14 ounce can Tomatoes, petite
  • 1 Yellow onion, medium
  • 3 1/2 cups Chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted & quartered
  • 2/3 cup Quinoa
  • Black pepper, freshly ground to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

Instructions

  • Steam the butternut squash until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the squash pieces and set aside.
  • Steam the remaining squash until very tender, an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Mash this squash with the back of a fork. Set aside.
  • In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
  • Add chicken breasts, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15-30 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow to cool. Pour broth into a medium-sized bowl.
  • Return the saucepan to the stovetop and lower heat to medium. Add olive oil.
  • Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is starting to turn brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the salt, minced garlic and oregano. Cook, stirring, for 1 additional minute.
  • To the saucepan, add tomatoes, butternut squash pieces, mashed butternut squash. Stir to combine.
  • Stir in reserved chicken broth and quinoa. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa turns translucent, about 15 minutes.
  • Shred the chicken with your fingers or a fork.
  • Stir the chicken, olives and pepper into the stew and simmer, uncovered, to heat, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in parsley and serve.