Description
A cozy and nourishing crockpot chicken quinoa soup packed with tender chicken, hearty quinoa, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This easy slow-cooker meal is flavorful, filling, and perfect for meal prep or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 small (12 oz total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 bay leaves
6 cups chicken stock
2 cups chopped baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; cook for 7–9 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, rinsed quinoa, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–5 hours, until quinoa is tender and chicken shreds easily.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Discard bay leaves.
- Stir in chopped spinach (if using) and let it wilt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or bread on the side.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Replace chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
Stir in lemon juice before serving for brightness.
For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered during the last 15 minutes.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator; add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
