Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

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Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (1)Pin it here

I’m not sure whether I’d call this Quinoa Chicken Chili or Quinoa Taco Soup – either way, I’d call it scrumptious. I’ve never made quinoa in a savory way – so I was excited to give it a try and it didn’t disappoint. Quinoa is very high in protein, so it goes great in this chicken chili to help give it some heft and substance.

I love that it was cooked in the Crock Pot – which means it only took me about 15 minutes to toss together this morning and the slow cooker did all the work.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of quinoa, rinsed

One (1) 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (you could use crushed)

One (1) 14 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)

Two (2) 16 oz cans of black beans, rinsed, drained

One (1) 15 oz can of corn, drained

3 Cups chicken stock

2 large chicken breasts, frozen or thawed (cook longer if frozen)

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp crushed red pepper

2 tsp chili powder

This has a nice little kick to it, but I didn’t think it was too spicy. If you’re nervous about spice, reduce the red pepper and the chili powder by half.

Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (2)

HOW TO PREPARE

1.) Toss everything into slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4-7 hours on high. I added frozen chicken breasts to mine and cooked on high for about six hours. As long as the chicken is cooked – it’s done!

2.) Remove chicken and shred it with two forks. Return to slow cooker.

3.) Top with cheese, sour cream, avocados – whatever sounds good to you! I’m thinking the next day it would probably thicken up enough to eat in a whole wheat tortilla.

Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (3)

Have you made a quinoa dish in the slow cooker? I’d love to hear about it!

Did you know you can also cook quinoa in the rice cooker? Here are some other Quinoa recipes:

This recipe was inspired by this recipe fromSweet Treats More.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (4)Kari says

    This recipe is a keeper! I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked to share the recipe! The only change I’ve made, is that I use the whole 32 ounce box of broth. And I have substituted garbanzo beans when I have not had corn on hand. Also, I often have shredded frozen chicken breast on hand which makes this recipe even simpler than it already is.
    Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (5)Leah Garven says

      This has been a family favourite for a long time. I am not sure how to leave a tip, except by replying to the last comment. Instead of 2 cans of black beans I use one can plus the same amount of dark red kidney beans. Tonight I have added more spices and flavours as I think it can use some jazzing up to suit your own taste. From other slow cooker recipes that include quinoa, I have found that it’s best to add the quinoa 30minutes -60 minutes before you want to eat it. 30 minutes is probably fine. Then it doesn’t go mushy. I think next time I freeze it, I would do the same. We love this!

      Reply

  2. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (7)Denise says

    I have made this recipe in the slow cooker and love it! I was wondering if it can be made in the instant pot?

    Reply

      • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (9)Angela says

        I’ve only made it in the IP. 10 minute on high-pressure and natural pressure release. Works with frozen breasts too.

        Reply

  3. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (10)shannon says

    My kids LOVE this recipe. As soon as we get the first snap of cold, they start asking for it. I usually make it with 1/2 the spice (kid-friendlly) and my husband and I just add japelenos to our bowls to give it the extra kick. Definitely tastes best topped with cheese, sour cream and avocado slices, but if you are dairy intolerant like me… just add extra avocado and jalepenos! I’m about to make a batch right now and can’t wait for dinner!

    Reply

  4. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (11)Genoa says

    My family loves this chili, including my four year old. The recipe is perfect for my standard sized crockpot, and makes enough to feed a crowd, or the extra can be frozen for future meals. I did double the spices, as I often find chili recipes lack in flavor, and it was a hit!

    Reply

  5. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (12)RH says

    This is a great family favourite here. All my kids like it, even the 2 yr olds. We add a can of green chillis as well. 👍 Makes so much, enough to share or freeze another meals worth.

    Reply

  6. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (13)Shelley says

    Hi, I just made this recipe using what I had on hand, including about 2 lbs of ground turkey, fried up with green pepper, and onion(instead of the chicken), a large can of tomato sauce (instead of the tomato with chilis), and beef broth (instead of chicken broth). Everything else was the same. It turned out awesome!!! Probably some of the best chili I have ever made! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply

  7. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (16)DeeDee says

    This recipe lacks taste and does not fit in a standard crock pot. It needs an extra large 7 qt crock pot. This should have been stated in the recipe. Don’t waste your time with this one. It makes a huge amount and was a waste of money, unfortunately.

    Reply

  8. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (21)Bethany says

    Trying this tomorrow! So excited! We love chili, looking forward to something a little healthier!

    Reply

  9. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (24)Shelby Thompson says

    This is my fall football go-to when we have people over! I tried it last year when we the hubby gave little notice that “we” were having people over and I needed to spend my time cleaning instead of cooking. It was a hit! My husband is in medical school so a lot of the people that we hang out with are more health conscious (me, I’ll take a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts please 🙂 ), and they all loved that it was so simple and filling!

    Reply

  10. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (28)Jennifer Dunn says

    Made this recipe today as I had all of the ingredients easily at hand. I was able to put it together quickly and cooked it on high for about 4 hours (my newer crock pot sure does get HOT!). I also added a teaspoon of chipotle powder, which added a little smokiness. This was DELICIOUS! My new favorite chili recipe; thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply

  11. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (30)Lacey says

    I am trying this right now except I lean ground beef, kidney beans instead of black, and beef stock instead of chicken stock. (mostly because it was what I had on hand)

    Reply

  12. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (31)LeAnna says

    Great recipe! I am also new to using Quinoa and I was nervous this wouldn’t have much flavor but it was delicious! I think it is even better on the 2nd day than the first. The only thing I would tweak personally is the amount of tomatoes used (maybe only 1 can and a little more broth) only because I get such bad heart burn. This might be my new favorite crock-pot meal though, so easy to make, I literally set it before I went to bed and woke up to lunch for the week :). Great job and thank you for sharing this yummy recipe.

    Reply

  13. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (34)Katie says

    Just tried this last night… it was great! Even my husband liked it (and eating healthy is definitely not one of his highest priorities). Thank you!

    Reply

  14. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (36)sophie says

    I made this last night. It was AMAZING. Made a couple of changes, used only 1 can of tomatoes, 1/2 the chili powder, and added 1 tsp of smoky paprika. I also threw in some pickled jalapenos. I also used thighs instead of breasts. Thank you for this amazing recipe. I will be eating this a lot! So healthy too.

    Reply

  15. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (38)Amy says

    Has anyone figured out what the calorie count for this is (per serving) already? I can sit down & do it but I thought if someone already knew then that would be easier!

    Reply

  16. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (41)anna says

    I’m new to quinoa. Do you cook it first then add to crock pot? Or does it cook in the crock pot?

    Reply

  17. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (43)Tabitha says

    I’m trying this out today for my Bible study group! I work 10 hours though, so do you think it’ll be okay to leave it on the warm setting for 2 hours after the 8 hours on low? Should I come home after the 8 hours to shred the chicken and check on it? (I’m a total crock pot newb.) 🙂

    Reply

  18. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (52)Julie says

    This was a great meal, and I like that the grain is already in the chili. We usually put it over brown rice but this worked great! My husband asked what all the squiggly things were (the quinoa) and while I could taste it a little he said it was fine (he doesn’t like quinoa on its own.) Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  19. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (53)Jana Hyde says

    This was terrific and a very hearty winter meal. I put it together in just a few minutes before I left for work. My husband came home and shredded the chicken, which was tender and not at all dried out after cooking all day. We will add more spice next time, but that’s the only thing we’ll change. Perfect for an easy gluten-free dinner with lots of leftovers to take to work. Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply

    • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (54)Natasha says

      I agree that I will add more spice next time. I actually used a tablespoon of chili powder and a lot of minced garlic, but it just didn’t have enough flavor for me. So I added salt, pepper, and garlic powder at the end and it’s better. But it still tastes much more like Brunswick Stew to me than it does chili. Not a bad thing…just not what I was expecting.

      Reply

  20. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (56)Monica says

    Can I use chicken broth instead?! Does stock have to be made or can I purchase it at a local grocery store?!

    Reply

  21. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (57)Monica says

    I’m a newbie when it comes to Quinoa but have been DYING to try it! However I feel like there are SO many different types?! What kind did you use for this recipe?!

    Reply

  22. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (61)Andrea says

    I made this on our vacation at a cottage my family rented…there were 5 of us and there was plenty to go around. I got a lot of compliments and I’m making it again this weekend. I skipped the crushed red pepper cus I don’t like spicey stuff but it still had plenty of flavor. We topped it with shredded cheddar cheese and it was just amazing. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  23. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (62)Joanna says

    I’ve made this recipe a few times in the past and it is delicious but produces WAY too much for just me and my husband. It also doesn’t help that my husband doesn’t seem to ever eat leftovers. Has anyone cooked this in the crock pot and then cooled and froze portions? Wondering how it would stand up in the freezer after being cooked. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (63)Candace McMasters says

      Yes I have made this a few times and I froze half of the chili and it was just fine and tasted the same! Hope this helps!

      Reply

    • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (64)jenn says

      I froze it in small Ziploc bags and would just microwave it from frozen when I needed a quick lunch or dinner. It still taste just as good

      Reply

  24. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (65)Alexandra says

    It is my second time trying quinoa. I have never cooked it before and man one cup makes like a ton of little quinoa in the crockpot. I feel like I should have cut it in half because it literally takes over the whole crockpot. I haven’t tried this yet, but I am excited to eat some later!

    Reply

  25. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (66)Mary O says

    Just put the lid on the crock pot. I used 2 1/2 c veggie broth and skipped the chicken. Also one 28 oz can Rotel and a smaller can of fire roasted tomatoes because that’s what I had on hand. This has plenty of protein without the meat. It’s a perfect vegan dish. Or it will be until I put a dab of greek yogurt top.
    .

    Reply

  26. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (67)Joan says

    Made this two days ago but instead of apices, I substituted a can of chipootle peppers in adobo sauce, thinned out with more stock and water and added more beans. Love it! So easy I could actually do before work.

    Reply

      • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (69)Kerri says

        I put mine in my fitness pal, and said it would be 6 servings (my boyfriend eats a lot), each serving 399 cals. I think it is probably more like 10 servings, at 239 cals per servings. My whole crock is 2400 cals. So I guess however you divide it up 🙂

        Reply

  27. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (72)Cheese with Noodles says

    I made this today, with a few tweaks. It was so good! It ended up cooking really quickly so I had a bowl for lunch, and am really looking forward to having it again for dinner if that tells you anything. Would you mind if I share this recipe on my blog? I will of course credit it to you and link back to your post. I only put recipes on my blog that we love and this one definitely qualifies.

    Reply

  28. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (73)Esther says

    In the crock pot, will be done in time for dinner 🙂 Thanks for sharing the recipe .

    Reply

  29. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (74)Rochelle says

    I just put everything in the crockpot! I can’t wait for it to be finished! I did tweek the recipe a little, but I hope I didn’t over do it! I added onions, I did 1 can black beans, 1 can kidney beans, more like 3 tbsp of crushed red pepper, less vegetable stock, and 2 10oz can of rotel, 1 14.5oz can of diced tomato. I didn’t want the chili to be too watery and I love spice! So I will write back when it’s finished in 6 hours! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! What a great way to incorporate protein in your diet! I just started using a crockpot and it’s the best invention in the world!

    Reply

  30. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (75)Steffani says

    I made this a few nights ago for my family of five. Huge hit. There were no leftovers at all. Normally the same amount of any soup in the crockpot would have enough leftovers for lunch. I added more of the seasons to taste like any cook does. The first time that I have made quinoa where the family didn’t turn their noses up. Thank you!

    Reply

  31. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (76)Kayla says

    This recipe looks amazing and I want to try it today, but I was wondering how I could make it this using leftover cooked quinoa that I already have in the fridge.. Would I just add it toward the end when the chili is mostly cooked, and would I have to change the amount of liquid ingredients I use in the recipe (such as chicken broth) since I won’t be added uncooked quinoa for it to be absorbed in?

    Reply

    • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (77)Heather Clarke says

      Hmmm, that’s a good question Kayla? I don’t know the answer. I’d hate to recommend one thing and have it ruined. You could try adding it toward the end, but it may not have the flavor because it will have already absorbed the water it needs? Does that make sense?

      Reply

    • Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (78)Joan says

      I don’t see a problem with adding cooked. It gets quite thick and I ended up thinning out with about 5 cups of liquid. I would use the same amount of stock as recipe calls for and add the cooked.

      Reply

  32. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (81)Jlk says

    Just made this for the first time. Couldn’t have been easier. This will be a staple now for us. Mmmmmmm

    Reply

  33. Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (82)Karen says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! I make this all the time. My husband loves it, too. I add more like 3 or 4 chicken breasts to it but otherwise stay true to the recipe and it’s a big hit. Always have leftovers and it freezes well, too. I’m on weight watchers and calculated it out to 7 points a (big) serving. THANK YOU!

    Reply

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Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do I thicken up my crockpot chili? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

Rather than adding it directly to the chili (which can create clumps) make a slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this into the pot of chili. For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Can you overcook chili? ›

Yes, but it would take a while. I have cooked this chili for 9 hours on low and it was delicious but ever-so-slightly burnt on the top. The tomatoes contain sugar, which caramelizes in the slow cooker, and will eventually burn if it cookes for too long. Anything longer than 10 hours on low is risky.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

Does chili thicken the longer it cooks? ›

Thin chili may just need time to cook down. Cook it uncovered low and slow, at least one hour, for it to thicken on its own. Cooking it uncovered allows for evaporation to reduce and concentrate the chili.

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.

What can you use besides tomato paste to thicken chili? ›

4. 7 Ways to Thicken Chili Using Pantry Staples
  • Add Cornstarch to Thicken Chili. ...
  • Use Flour to Thicken Chili. ...
  • Use Baking Powder to Thicken Chili. ...
  • Add Cornmeal to the Chili. ...
  • Add Mashed Beans to Thicken the Chili. ...
  • Thickening Chili With Oats. ...
  • Add Vegetables to the Chili.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

Add Some Acidity at the End

Perk up your pot of chili by adding in a dash of apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, or fresh lime juice right before you remove it from the stovetop. The acidic pop at the end will bring out all the layered flavors you worked so hard to achieve.

What to do if my chili is too watery? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

How do I thicken my slow cooker? ›

As a rule of thumb, dissolve 2 parts cold water and 1 part cornstarch. Add the slurry to your sauce as it simmers in the slow cooker. Cornstarch is always a good way to thicken a sauce or soup but personally I would recommend going a different route as the cornstarch slurry may change the flavor of the meal.

What if my chili is too soupy? ›

Thin chili may just need time to cook down. Cook it uncovered low and slow, at least one hour, for it to thicken on its own. Cooking it uncovered allows for evaporation to reduce and concentrate the chili. For quick weeknight chili, using cornmeal is probably the fastest option.

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