Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup is a hearty, comforting, and nutritious meal perfect for any day. Packed with protein-rich chicken breasts and wholesome quinoa, combined with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, this soup is slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe offering a warm, satisfying dish ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
Grains
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (approximately 14.5 ounces)
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Dice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, diced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the quinoa helps remove its natural bitterness and improves the soup’s flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adding additional vegetables like spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes enhances nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
