Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Bowl

Recipe Introduction: The Easiest Crockpot Dinner Ever!

Fancy some crockpot recipes healthy ? honestly, who doesn't love a good, easy meal? this crockpot chicken & quinoa bowl is packed with flavour and goodness.

Think delicious shredded chicken with protein-packed quinoa. it is also bursting with colourful veggies.

A Bowl of Sunshine from Mexico

This recipe has a subtle mexican vibe. it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. it’s inspired by dishes south of the border.

It’s super easy. it also will become a family favourite. this bowl is pure comfort food.

It is so easy to make. it's great for beginners. the prep takes about 20 minutes. the cook time is 4- 6 hours on low.

Or try 2- 3 hours on high. you will get six generous servings.

Good For You, Good For Your Soul

This dish is packed with protein. the quinoa is a superfood. it keeps you feeling full and satisfied. this healthy crockpot meal is perfect for a chilly evening.

You could even batch cook it for meal prep. it's a lifesaver, i tell you!

This crockpot chicken & quinoa bowl is special because it's so adaptable. sub out the chicken for sweet potatoes. add more spice for an extra kick.

This meal is so versatile. you are in total control.

Let's Get Cooking!

Alright then, let's get our culinary ducks in a row, shall we ? Based on the recipe description and the initial you've given us, here are 10 that will help get that Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Bowl noticed:

1. Healthy Crockpot
2. Healthy Slow Cooker
3. Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker
4. Crockpot Chicken Potatoes Green Beans
5. Crockpot chicken quinoa recipe
6. Slow cooker healthy chicken bowl
7. Healthy slow cooker Mexican chicken
8. One-pot healthy crockpot meals
9. Slimming World crockpot recipes healthy
10. Easy healthy crockpot dinners

Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Bowl Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:360 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 tsp/5g)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning (check for low-sodium options)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (2.5ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (1.25ml)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (185g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups (470ml) water or chicken broth
• Avocado, diced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This adds flavour, but you can skip this step if you're short on time.
• Place the chopped onion, garlic, bell peppers, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
• Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
• Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the quinoa according to package directions (usually boiling the quinoa with water or broth). Alternatively, cook the quinoa in the crockpot during the last hour of cook time, if you prefer.
• Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over a bed of cooked quinoa.
• Top with your favourite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, Greek yogurt, cheese, and hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:425

Fat:17.5g

Fiber:9g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mexican

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Crockpot Arsenal

Alright then, let's get our culinary ducks in a row, shall we? Before diving into this amazing dish, let's gather everything. This ensures smooth sailing towards delicious crockpot recipes healthy .

Main Ingredients for Your Masterpiece

Here’s what you need for our flavor-packed bowl:

• Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless breasts. Go for free-range if you can, tastes better!.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Extra virgin is always a good shout.
• Onion: 1 medium (approx. 1 cup/150g) , chopped. Yellow onions are the workhorse here.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 1 tsp/5g) , minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
• Bell Peppers: 1 red & 1 green (approx. 1 cup/150g each) , chopped. Adds a lovely colour.
• Black Beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained. Rinsing gets rid of that… bean-y taste.
• Corn: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained. Sweetcorn gives a nice touch of sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can , undrained. Adds moisture and flavour.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml) , low-sodium. Important to control the saltiness!
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) . Check for low-sodium options!
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . For a little warmth.
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Earthy and essential.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Gives that lovely smoky depth.
• Quinoa: 1 cup (185g) uncooked, rinsed well. Rinsing is key to avoid bitterness.
• Water/Broth (for Quinoa): 2 cups (470ml) . I prefer broth for extra flavour.

Quality indicators? For chicken, look for plump, pink flesh. Avoid anything slimy.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

The taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are a fantastic base. don't be shy! add a pinch of cayenne if you want some proper heat.

A little dash of liquid smoke after cooking will really kick up the flavours! a common alternative is the chipotle powder.

Want to switch things up? try adding a bay leaf while it simmers or a squeeze of lime juice at the end to brighten things up.

These essential spice combinations are so easy to alter.

Essential Equipment: What You'll Need

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): A 6-quart one is ideal. Obviously.
• Cutting Board: Obvious, but important.
• Chef's Knife: A good one makes chopping a breeze.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key.

Don't have a proper slow cooker? a heavy-bottomed pot in a low oven ( 275f/135c ) will do in a pinch.

Just keep an eye on the liquid levels. it's not ideal, but desperate times call for desperate measures!

So, based on the recipe description and initial , lets start to have this healthy crockpot !

Let's Get Crockin': Healthy Chicken & Quinoa Bowls

Alright then, let's get our culinary ducks in a row, shall we? ever have one of those weeks? you know, the kind where takeaway menus start looking way too tempting? i get it! that’s when crockpot recipes healthy come to the rescue.

This crockpot chicken & quinoa bowl is my secret weapon against those nights. it's like a fiesta in a bowl, only it won't leave you feeling guilty!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Before we even think about turning on the slow cooker healthy chicken bowl , let’s get organised. chop your onion, peppers (red and green!), and mince that garlic.

Measure out your spices. rinsing the quinoa well, i mean really well, is super important to get rid of any bitterness.

Honestly, a little prep makes all the difference.

From Zero to Hero: Step-by-Step Crockpot Glory

1. Sear chicken in oil for 2- 3 minutes per side. (Adds flavour, trust me!).
2. Layer veggies, beans, and corn in the crockpot recipes slow cooker
3. Place chicken on top. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and spices.
4. Pour in that yummy chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours. Chicken must shred easily.
6. Shred the chicken, then return it to the healthy crockpot .
7. Cook quinoa while chicken cooks.
8. Serve chicken mix over quinoa. Load up those toppings!

Pro Tips for Crockpot Perfection

Don’t overcook the chicken. seriously! soggy chicken is a no-no. aim for tenderness. avoid pre-shredding the chicken if you plan to make-ahead options it.

It will dry out. this also works as a good slimming world crockpot recipes healthy option for those wanting to eat healthy.

Common mistakes to avoid

Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and stringy. always check doneness early. for the best result, rinse quinoa to prevent bitterness.

Using high-sodium ingredients will lead to an overly salty dish. it’s perfect as a one-pot healthy crockpot meals solution.

Alright then, let's get our culinary ducks in a row, shall we? we've got this awesome crockpot chicken & quinoa bowl recipe, so let's chat about some essential recipe notes to make your cooking experience smooth and delicious.

Trust me; these little tips can make all the difference. i have been in the kitchen enough times to know it.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Crockpot Game

This isn't just about following steps. It's about making the recipe yours .

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Honestly, plating matters! think about it: a beautifully presented dish is more enticing, right? load up your bowl with the crockpot chicken & quinoa .

Then, add a dollop of greek yogurt (or sour cream if you're feeling naughty!), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a generous scoop of diced avocado.

A squeeze of lime brightens everything up. think about complementary sides. how about some simple cornbread ? or a light green salad to cut through the richness? you know, something refreshing.

Maybe a margarita or a cold beer for the adults, too?

Storage Tips: Making the Most of Leftovers

Leftovers are your friend! they're amazing for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week. let the crockpot chicken & quinoa bowl cool completely.

Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll keep for up to 3-4 days . you can also freeze it! divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

When reheating, microwave until heated through. honestly, it tastes even better the next day! i am a big fan of freezing it!

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to switch things up? no problem! for a dietary adaptation, you can make it low-carb by serving it over cauliflower rice instead of quinoa.

It tastes just as good, honestly! for a seasonal ingredient swap, in the fall, try adding some roasted butternut squash to the crockpot.

It adds a lovely sweetness. you can add turkey breast instead of chicken.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This crockpot chicken & quinoa bowl is packed with goodness. it's loaded with protein from the chicken and quinoa. plenty of fibre from the beans, corn, and quinoa keep you full and satisfied.

And it's full of vitamins from the veggies. plus, it's a healthy and delicious way to get all your nutrients in one bowl.

Making it a guilt-free pleasure!

This recipe is awesome for people looking for sliming world crockpot recipes healthy . it fits right in! you're looking for crockpot recipes healthy , and this one definitely delivers.

This is one of the best easy healthy crockpot dinners you'll find. plus, it's a great way to use your crockpot recipes slow cooker .

I hope you enjoyed these little notes. Now you're all set to make the most amazing Crockpot Chicken & Quinoa Bowls ever. Go on; give it a go.