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Crock-Pot Chicken and Quinoa is easy to make and fiesta-worthy. The tasty filling is perfect for fajita bowls, tacos, or nachos.

When life is busy and unpredictable, slow cooker meals can restore your sanity. Add chicken, quinoa, and vegetables to a slow cooker in the morning, then set it and forget it.
You'll have a bit more flexibility at the end of the day. Need to delay dinner 30 minutes? No problem! Some days are just like that.
When it's done, it's a complete meal. But this versatile filling can also be turned into bowls, tacos, or even Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Soup. It's the ultimate meal prep recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
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Ingredient Notes
Here's what you'll need to make this Mexican-inspired recipe for chicken quinoa:
- Chicken breasts - We cut the chicken into pieces. However, chicken breasts can be added whole and shredded before serving with two forks.
- Quinoa - Be sure to rinse well before using.
- Fajita seasoning - We included a DIY mixture in the recipe card or you can buy a packet at the grocery store.
Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.
Directions with Pictures
Here's how to make chicken and quinoa in a crock-pot:
Step 1. Add quinoa, diced tomatoes with juices, sliced onions, bell peppers, and chicken broth to the base of a slow cooker and stir to combine.
Step 2. Layer chicken pieces on top and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
Step 3. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-7 hours.
Step 4. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Topping Ideas
Whether you're serving chicken and quinoa as a bowl, tacos, or something else, add your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. These are my favorites:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced avocado
- Quick pickled onions
- Sour cream
- Easy guacamole
- Yogurt salsa dressing
- Lime or lemon wedges.
Storage and Meal Prep
This chicken and quinoa recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or the freezer for 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Drizzle with a little salsa, broth, or water. Then reheat on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Crock-Pot Chicken and Quinoa
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa rinsed well
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can; not drained
- 15 ounces black beans 1 can; drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth low-salt
- ½ large onion sliced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into cubes
Fajita Seasoning
- 1 packet or
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Add quinoa, diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, sliced onions, bell peppers, and broth to the base of a slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Layer chicken pieces on top and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-7 hours.
- Serve with favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on February 26, 2014 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.
Liz says
I love this crockpot recipe! So perfect for a busy day and I love not having to heat up the oven!
Marjory says
Thanks Liz! We use our crock-pot year round!
Rebecca Hubbell says
I love quinoa but never thought of using it like this, such a great idea!
Gina D says
Hello! This looks so yummy! Did you cook the quinoa separately before putting in the crockpot? Or is this quinoa uncooked, straight from the package? Also is the chicken uncooked (or frozen) before you place in the crockpot? Thank you!
Marjory says
Hi! The quinoa and chicken are both uncooked when placed in the crock pot. 🙂
leslie says
WOW...the flavor in this must be AMAZING!!!! Love my slow cooker.
Marjory says
Thanks! We've been enjoying a lot meals in it lately. Soooo easy.