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Don’t feel like making a big pot of soup? This spicy chicken and quinoa soup in a mug is a quick, single-serve option that’s ready in about 15 minutes.
Warm, hearty, and packed with protein, it’s perfect for those days when you want something comforting without a lot of effort—or leftovers.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken or vegetable broth (affiliate link) – flavorful base (use what you have on hand)
- Quinoa, rinsed – adds texture and protein (adjust amount to preference)
- Cooked chicken breast, chopped – lean and filling (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Salsa – adds flavor and a little heat (use your favorite style or pico de gallo)
- Lime zest & juice – brightens the soup
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Calories and WW Points
According to my calculations, each serving has 303 calories and 2 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How to Make Microwave Mug Chicken and Quinoa Soup, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients. Ideal mug size: 16- to 20-ounce.
Step 2: Add the broth to the mug and microwave (affiliate link) on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, or until boiling.
Step 3: Stir quinoa into the broth and microwave on HIGH for 4 to 6 minutes, or until quinoa has softened.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped chicken and salsa and microwave on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Step 5: Stir in the lime zest, lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve while hot.
Simple, flexible, and satisfying, this is an easy go-to when you want a warm meal without much cleanup.
Recipe Notes
- Use less quinoa if you prefer a brothier soup, or add a handful of frozen vegetables for extra bulk.
- The quinoa will continue to absorb liquid as it sits—just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy on its own, or top with crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, extra salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a little extra flavor.
If you’ve made this 15-Minute Mug of Soup with Chicken and Quinoa, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Spicy Chicken & Quinoa Soup in a Mug
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken, or vegetable, broth
- 3 tablespoons quinoa, rinsed
- 4 ounces chopped cooked lean chicken breast
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Ideal mug size: 16- to 20-ounces.
- Add the broth to the mug and microwave (affiliate link) on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, or until boiling.
- Stir quinoa into the broth and microwave on HIGH for 4 to 6 minutes, or until quinoa has softened.
- Stir in the chopped chicken and salsa and microwave on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir in the lime zest, lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve while hot.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 7 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: 250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes (affiliate link) by Camilla V. Saulsbury
Question, Martha, I don’t have quinoa. Is there anything I can use insted? Rice? Barley?
Hi Susie,
I’ve only made this with quinoa but believe either rice or barley would work, though I feel like they would need to be precooked. Hope this helps. ~Martha