Description
This Crockpot Italian Chicken Quinoa and Vegetable Soup is a wholesome, nutrient-dense Mediterranean-inspired meal that is perfect for busy days. By sautéing the aromatics first, you lock in deep, savory flavors before slow cooking. This one-pot wonder features tender chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, resulting in a comforting and healthy dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
2 bay leaves
6 cups low sodium chicken stock
2 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions, celery, and carrots until softened.
Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture into the slow cooker.
Add the chicken breast chunks, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, rinsed quinoa, bay leaves, dried herbs, and chicken stock to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and quinoa is tender.
Remove the bay leaves and stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Ensure you rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitter coating before adding it to the pot. This recipe is very forgiving; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale during the last hour of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg