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Slow Cooker Chicken and Spring Vegetable Quinoa
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SkinnyMS

Slow Cooker Chicken and Spring Vegetable Quinoa

This creamy and nutrient-rich dish is a delicious choice for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time3 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Slow Cooker
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 333kcal
Author: SkinnyMs.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa
  • 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
  • 7 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 5 garlic cloves minced fine
  • 1/2 onion diced small
  • 1/2 cup celery diced small
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 teaspoons prepared basil and spinach pesto
  • 2 cups peas fresh
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups green beans fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces
  • parmesan cheese asiago, or pecorino cheese for topping, grated

Instructions

  • Rinse the quinoa and place it in a 3-quart slow cooker along with the chicken, 4 cups of the chicken broth, garlic, onion, celery, carrots, thyme, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Mix well and cover, then cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until chicken is not pink and quinoa is tender.
  • When the quinoa and chicken are done, the mixture should be very thick and sticky. Add the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth 1 cup at a time and stir until the mixture resembles a creamy risotto or casserole. You may not need all of the broth, so don't fret if there is some left!
  • Stir in the basil and spinach pesto, peas, and lemon juice and cover to let heat through.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet, then add the asparagus and green beans and sauté for around 5 minutes, or until they are just tender. Add the vegetables back to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  • Serve immediately topped with grated cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 989mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 9
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 9