Some nights I want dinner to take care of itself, and Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Soup does exactly that. The carrots and onion cook down together until the flavors feel like they belong, with no stirring or checking required. I usually serve it straight from the crock with whatever bread I have around.
Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Soup
This soup features lean chicken breast cooked with quinoa, carrots, celery, and spices in a savory broth. It takes about 6-8 hours in the slow cooker, making it an ideal meal prep option for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the quinoa under cold water and chop the vegetables.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts, quinoa, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the quinoa is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them to the soup.
- Add Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and lemon juice, if using. Let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
This Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Soup has fed my family on plenty of ordinary weeknights, and it holds up just as well for company. Taste it before serving and adjust the seasoning to what you like. I would rather hear how you made it your own than follow the recipe to the letter.
