Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken And Quinoa Stew Recipe
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This Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken and Quinoa Stew is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Made with chicken, quinoa, carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes, it’s a wholesome dinner that’s high in protein, full of veggies, and easy to prep. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it simmer into a cozy, filling meal.
Related recipe: Slow Cooker Shrimp and White Bean Stew
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Stew is hearty, healthy, and protein-packed. With chicken, quinoa, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s a comforting crockpot dinner for busy nights.
What Is Chicken And Quinoa Stew?
Chicken and quinoa stew is a nutrient-dense comfort food made with lean chicken, vegetables, and quinoa. Cooking it in the slow cooker makes the chicken tender and the flavors rich without much hands-on time.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken And Quinoa Stew
- Chicken breasts
- Dry quinoa
- Red onion
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Carrots
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken stock – or broth.
- Bay leaves
- Dried thyme
- Oregano
- Paprika – Use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice – Optional for garnish
- Fresh parsley – Optional for garnish
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken And Quinoa Stew
- Add all the prepped ingredients to the slow cooker crock. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Give the stew a stir before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice if desired.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Always rinse quinoa to remove bitterness.
- Cut the chicken into very small pieces so it cooks as fast as the quinoa.
- Slice the carrots very thin so they can cook faster as well.
- Want more greens? Add spinach or kale in the last 20 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes.
- Mexican-inspired: Add cumin, chili powder, and black beans.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
What To Serve With Chicken And Quinoa Stew
- Serve with crunchy garlic bread.
- Serve with a green side salad.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop. Add some extra broth if it thickens too much.
FAQs About Chicken And Quinoa Stew
Does quinoa get mushy in the slow cooker?
Quinoa holds up well if cooked on low for 5–6 hours. Rinsing it first helps keep its texture. Longer cooking times will require you to add the quinoa later in the cooking process.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, it’s a tasty and cost-effective substitute.
Can I cook quinoa separately and add it at the end?
Yes, if you prefer firmer quinoa, cook it on the stovetop and stir it in just before serving. This will also allow a longer cooking time for the vegetables.
More Slow Cooker Stew Recipes
Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken And Quinoa Stew Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (3.5 quarts or larger)
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into small cubes or pieces – about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup dry quinoa (rinsed well)
- 1 small red onion (approximately ¾ cup)
- 4 large garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
- 1 cup sliced carrots (slice very thin for best results)
- 1 cup sliced celery (slice very thin for best results)
- 1 cup diced zucchini (slightly larger pieces are fine here so they hold up in cooking. But not overly large)
- 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 3 cups chicken stock (or broth – no sugar or dextrose added.
- 2 large bay leaves
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. paprika
- salt and pepper (to taste after cooking)
- fresh lemon juice (for garnish)
- fresh, chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients as indicated. Chicken pieces should be small to cook properly without overcooking the quinoa.
- Add all the prepped ingredients to the slow cooker crock. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Give the stew a stir before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
