Craving a comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutrition? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Taco Soup! With its hearty ingredients and zesty taco seasoning, this dish is the perfect blend of Mexican cuisine and wholesome goodness. Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of tender chicken and savory spices wafting through your kitchen. Not only is this soup incredibly easy to prepare, but it also makes a generous six servings—ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. Set aside.
- In the slow cooker, place the 1 lb of chicken breast at the bottom. This will allow the chicken to cook thoroughly and remain moist.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the slow cooker, followed by the drained corn and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). This will add flavor and texture to the soup.
- Next, pour in the rinsed quinoa. This will act as a hearty base for the soup and will absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will provide the necessary liquid for the soup.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet evenly over the top of the ingredients. This will infuse the soup with a delicious Mexican flavor.
- Gently stir the ingredients in the slow cooker to combine everything, ensuring that the quinoa, beans, corn, tomatoes, and chicken are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shred with a fork. If it is not fully cooked, allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may want to add salt, pepper, or more taco seasoning based on your preference.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Taco Soup!
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This simple step removes any bitterness and enhances the flavor of your soup.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure it cooks thoroughly and stays moist. Follow with beans, corn, tomatoes, quinoa, and broth for optimal cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: After shredding the chicken and mixing it back into the soup, taste it before serving. Feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or taco seasoning to suit your palate.
- Use Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving adds a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates the dish. Consider adding lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cook Time Matters: Ensure you cook the soup on low for the full 6 hours for the best flavor infusion. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but the slow method truly brings out the best in this recipe.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even swapping the chicken for turkey or beans for a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers are Gold: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting meal any day of the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
