Okay, so weeknights, right? They’re basically a blur. Between work, the kids’ activities, and just trying to keep the house from, you know, imploding, cooking a healthy meal feels like climbing Mount Everest. That’s where my slow cooker comes in – seriously, it’s a lifesaver! And this Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew? Total game-changer.
I’m telling you, this stew is packed with flavor AND nutrients, but the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. I remember one night, I was feeling totally defeated, and my daughter asked for something “healthy but yummy” (the pressure!). I threw this together, went back to folding laundry, and BAM! Dinner was served. Everyone loved it, and I felt like supermom. It’s a win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Seriously, what’s not to love? This isn’t just another blah stew. It’s got everything going for it. I mean, who doesn’t want a dinner that practically cooks itself?
Simple and Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Prep is a snap – like, 20 minutes tops! Then you just dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away. Seriously, go binge-watch your favorite show. Dinner’s got you covered.
Nutritious and Delicious Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Chicken = protein power! Quinoa’s got all those good-for-you amino acids, and the veggies? Hello, vitamins! But it tastes AMAZING, promise. Even my picky eater gobbles it up.
Customizable Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Don’t like zucchini? Swap it for bell peppers! Want more spice? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe is super forgiving, so make it your own!
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, promise. Just good, wholesome stuff that you can probably find in your pantry already. I always say, the better the ingredients, the better the stew – so grab the good stuff!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (don’t stress about perfect dicing!)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated (I’m a garlic fiend, so I sometimes add an extra clove!)
- 3 large carrots, chopped (baby carrots work in a pinch, just halve or quarter them)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (that’s my go-to, but use whatever herbs you love)
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste, of course!)
- 1 15- oz can tomato sauce (the base of our flavor!)
- 1 15- oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (adds a little something extra, you know?)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I use whatever I have on hand)
- 32 ounces chicken stock (low sodium is my preference)
- 2 cups water (helps thin it out)
- 1 cup fresh or defrosted frozen corn kernels (adds a touch of sweetness!)
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped (or peeled if you’re dealing with picky eaters!)
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed (don’t skip the rinsing, it gets rid of the bitterness!)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley for serving, optional (but it makes it look so pretty!)
How to Prepare Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Okay, ready to get cooking? The best part about this recipe is that it’s SO easy. No preheating needed – just grab your slow cooker and let’s do this!
- First, you’re gonna dump in the onion, garlic, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, tomato sauce, chickpeas, chicken stock, and water into your slow cooker. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed up nicely. Then, nestle the chicken in there and stir it again. That’s it for step one!
- Now, pop the lid on that slow cooker and set it to high. Let it cook for about 3 and a half hours. I usually set a timer on my phone so I don’t forget!
- Carefully take the chicken out (it’ll be fall-apart tender!). Grab two forks and shred it right up. Set the shredded chicken aside for a sec. Now, toss in the corn, zucchini, and quinoa. Cover it back up and let it cook for another 30 minutes, or until the quinoa’s cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the little quinoa tails pop out.
- Last step! Add that shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, give it a good stir, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. And that’s it! Dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Alright, so you’ve got the basics down, but let’s talk about some little things that can take your Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!” Trust me, these tips are worth it!
Shredding Chicken for your Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Okay, so the chicken is gonna be super tender after cooking, which is awesome! But sometimes, it can get a little dry if you over-shred it. My trick? Use two forks and gently pull it apart. Don’t go crazy! Leaving some bigger pieces helps keep it nice and juicy. And if you’re using chicken breasts, maybe add a splash of the stew liquid back in after shredding – it works wonders!
Getting the Right Consistency for your Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Sometimes, slow cookers are a little unpredictable, you know? If your stew is too thick, just add a little more chicken stock or water until it’s the consistency you like. If it’s too thin, you can either let it cook uncovered for a bit longer (to let some of the liquid evaporate) or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Boom! Problem solved.
Adding Vegetables to your Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
This stew is super versatile, so feel free to throw in whatever veggies you’ve got lurking in your fridge! Hearty veggies like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or even parsnips work great. Just add them at the beginning with the other veggies. Softer veggies, like spinach or kale, should be stirred in right at the end so they don’t get all mushy. Yuck!
Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew, and you’re loving it! But maybe you’re feeling a little adventurous? Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy to tweak! Here are a few ideas to get you started – get creative and make it your own!
Spicy Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Want to kick things up a notch? Easy peasy! Throw in a pinch (or a hefty dose, if you’re brave!) of red pepper flakes at the beginning. Or, add a diced jalapeño or two – just remember to remove the seeds if you don’t want it *too* fiery! A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end works, too!
Vegetarian Healthy Crockpot Quinoa Stew
No chicken? No problem! Just skip the chicken altogether and add an extra can of chickpeas or your favorite beans. You could also throw in some diced tofu or tempeh for extra protein. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock!
Adding Beans to your Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Chickpeas are great, but why stop there? Kidney beans, black beans, or even cannellini beans would be delicious in this stew! Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. I usually throw in a can of mixed beans – it adds a fun little surprise to every bite!
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew is pretty much a meal in itself, but sometimes you just want a little something extra, right? A slice of crusty bread for dipping is always a winner. Or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette? Yum! You could even do some quick cornbread muffins!
Storing Leftover Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stuff tastes even better the next day, I swear. Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s nice and bubbly. So easy!
FAQ About Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got a question I haven’t answered, just leave a comment!
Can I use frozen chicken in Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew?
Okay, so technically, food safety guidelines say you shouldn’t cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker. It might not reach a safe temperature quickly enough. BUT, if you’re in a pinch, I’ve done it! Just make sure to cook it on high for at least 4-5 hours, and use a meat thermometer to be absolutely sure it reaches 165°F. When in doubt, thaw it first, though!
Can I make Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can prep all the ingredients the night before, throw them in the slow cooker insert, and stick it in the fridge. Then, in the morning, just pop the insert into the slow cooker base and turn it on! Easy peasy! You can also cook the whole stew ahead of time and reheat it later – it tastes even better the next day!
Is Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew gluten-free?
Yep, as written, this recipe is totally gluten-free! Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain, and all the other ingredients are gluten-free too. Just double-check the label on your chicken stock to make sure it doesn’t contain any sneaky gluten-containing ingredients. But generally, you’re good to go!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind that these are just estimates, okay? It all depends on the exact ingredients you use and your serving size. But here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving (about 1.5 cups):
- Calories: Around 350
- Fat: Roughly 10g (with about 2g saturated, 6g unsaturated, and zero trans fat – yay!)
- Cholesterol: Around 75mg
- Sodium: About 800mg (so maybe go easy on the extra salt!)
- Carbohydrates: In the neighborhood of 40g
- Fiber: A whopping 8g (hello, healthy digestion!)
- Sugar: Around 8g (mostly from the veggies and tomato sauce)
- Protein: A solid 30g (thanks, chicken and quinoa!)
Not too shabby, huh? This Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew is a powerhouse of nutrition! But remember, these are just estimates. For the most accurate info, plug the ingredients into a nutrition calculator. But bottom line? You’re eating something good for you!
Enjoy Your Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew!
And that’s it! I really hope you love this Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew as much as my family does. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Or even better, snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me, so I can see your masterpiece!
Print
Devour Amazing Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Stew in 4H
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This healthy crockpot chicken and quinoa stew is a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 15- oz can tomato sauce
- 1 15- oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh or defrosted frozen corn kernels
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley for serving, optional
Instructions
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, tomato sauce, chickpeas, stock, and water to a slow cooker, stirring to combine. Add the chicken and stir again.
- Cover and cook on high for 3.5 hours.
- Remove the chicken. Shred with two forks and set aside. Add the corn, zucchini, and quinoa. Cover and continue to cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
- Add back the shredded chicken, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- If they refuse to eat green vegetables, try peeling the zucchini before adding it to the soup.
- Serve the veggie pieces and chicken on a plate and allow them to sip the quinoa broth out of the bowl.
- I used a 6-Quart Slow Cooker for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
