There’s something so soothing about a warm bowl of soup, don’t you think? When the weather turns chilly, I can’t resist the comforting aroma of my Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup bubbling away in the kitchen. I still remember the first time I threw this together on a lazy Sunday; the whole house smelled like a cozy hug! It’s packed with tender chicken and nutritious quinoa, along with vibrant veggies that make every spoonful feel like a nourishing embrace. Honestly, it’s become a staple in my home because it’s not only delicious but also so easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this soup on repeat!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup carrots, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup celery, diced for that perfect crunch
- 1 medium onion, chopped for flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, because garlic makes everything better
- 1 tsp dried thyme, or more if you love that earthy flavor
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground if you can
- 1 cup spinach, chopped, added for freshness
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup
- Start by placing the diced chicken breast at the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows it to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Next, add the rinsed quinoa right on top of the chicken. It’s a great source of protein and will cook beautifully in the broth!
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is well covered. You want it to be nice and soupy!
- Then, add in the diced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. These veggies add such a wonderful texture and taste.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, toss in the chopped spinach. It wilts perfectly and adds a pop of color!
- Finally, shred the chicken using two forks before serving and give everything a good mix. Enjoy your warm, hearty soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich quinoa.
- Comforting: A warm, hearty bowl that feels like a hug on a cold day.
- Simple: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh veggies and herbs creates a deliciously satisfying taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for leftovers, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, make sure to rinse the quinoa before adding it to the slow cooker. This removes any bitterness and helps it cook better. Also, if you prefer a thicker soup, consider reducing the amount of broth slightly or adding an extra handful of quinoa. Another common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. I recommend shredding the chicken right before serving for that tender, juicy texture. And don’t skip the spinach! Adding it in the last 30 minutes keeps it vibrant and fresh, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrients. Trust me, these little tricks make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup! For a heartier version, try adding sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a touch of sweetness. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, depending on what you have on hand. Want to spice things up? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick! And if you’re a fan of different flavors, adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of cumin can take this soup to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup, storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Just make sure to omit the spinach if you’re planning to freeze it, as it doesn’t reheat well. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but stir it every minute or so for even heating. Enjoy your cozy bowl anytime!
Nutritional Information
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious! Each serving, which is about 1 bowl, contains approximately 350 calories, 5g of fat, and an impressive 30g of protein. You’ll also get 40g of carbohydrates with 6g of fiber, making it a filling option. Plus, it has just 2g of sugar and 800mg of sodium, keeping it balanced and wholesome for your meal prep!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute chicken breast for something else?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture. They work wonderfully in this soup!
How do I adjust the cooking time?
If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works just as well. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Just omit the spinach before freezing, and stir it in when you reheat. It’ll taste just as fresh!
What if I don’t have quinoa?
No worries! You can replace quinoa with brown rice or even lentils. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may require different times to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Just remember to thaw before reheating!
Serving Suggestions
To create a delightful meal alongside your Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup, I love serving it with a simple side salad. A fresh mix of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully and adds a nice crunch. If you’re in the mood for something warm, some crusty whole-grain bread or a grilled cheese sandwich makes for the perfect dipping companion! And let’s not forget a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top of the soup for an extra flavor boost. These sides not only complement the soup but also make it a cozy, hearty meal that feels just right!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup: 7 Hearty Comforts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A nutritious and hearty soup made with chicken and quinoa, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup quinoa
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast in the slow cooker.
- Add quinoa, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add spinach.
- Shred the chicken before serving and mix well.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well; just omit the spinach until reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Soup