Description
This high-protein crockpot chicken and quinoa stew is hearty, healthy, and perfect for meal prep. Made with lean chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, and colorful vegetables, it’s a hands-off dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (optional)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Load chicken, veggies, broth, seasonings, and tomatoes into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3.5–4 hours (high for 2–2.5 hours).
- Stir in rinsed quinoa.
- Cook on low 1.5–2 hours more (high ~1 hour).
- Remove bay leaf.
- Shred chicken, return to pot.
- Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add broth at the end if you prefer it soupier.
- Swap in kale or frozen peas near the end.
- Add white beans for more protein.
- Keeps 3 days in the fridge; add water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (Low) / 3 to 3.5 hours (High)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 310kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Chicken Quinoa Stew