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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) I love this recipe because it’s simple and packed with protein. The chicken breasts form the base of the dish. They provide lean protein that keeps you full. The low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture and flavor. Quinoa is a great addition. It is also a protein source and adds a nice texture. Next, we have the red bell pepper. It brings color and sweetness. Black beans add more protein and fiber. They also help make the dish hearty. Corn can be frozen or canned. It adds a sweet crunch. The spices are key for flavor. Ground cumin gives warmth, while smoked paprika adds depth. Garlic infuses the dish with a rich aroma. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic, making it fragrant. Finally, the salt and pepper are essential for taste. Green onions make a fresh garnish. Cilantro adds a bright touch if you like it. With these ingredients, you create a satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing the Garlic Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add two minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic fragrant but not burnt. 2. Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker Place four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour one cup of low-sodium chicken broth over them. Next, add the sautéed garlic, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to mix. Now, add one cup of rinsed quinoa, one diced red bell pepper, one cup of drained black beans, and one cup of corn on top. Do not mix; just layer these ingredients. 3. Cooking Time and Method Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for six hours or high for three hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done. 1. Shredding the Chicken Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the other ingredients. 2. Adjusting Seasoning Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. 3. Serving Suggestions Serve this high-protein chicken in bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your meal! Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken To make sure your chicken cooks just right, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F for safe eating. Always layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Place the chicken on the bottom, then add broth, spices, and other ingredients on top. Letting the chicken soak in the broth adds flavor and keeps it moist. Flavor Enhancement Ideas Want to boost the flavor? Try adding lime juice or zest before serving. A splash of vinegar can also brighten the dish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add freshness. You can even add some cheese on top for a creamy touch. Experiment with spices too, like chili powder or oregano, to find your perfect taste. Protein-Rich Elements This recipe features chicken breasts and quinoa, both great sources of protein. Each serving offers a good amount of protein to help build muscles and keep you feeling full. Black beans also add a protein punch, making this dish a smart choice for anyone looking for a high-protein meal. Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients The red bell pepper adds vitamins A and C, which are important for your immune system. Quinoa is not only high in protein but also provides fiber, which is great for digestion. Corn adds sweetness and more fiber. This meal is packed with nutrients to support your health. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor profile and tenderness. Layering Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them as instructed. This ensures even cooking and allows flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking delicate ingredients like quinoa. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables like bell peppers and garlic. Fresh ingredients can significantly elevate the dish's flavor and nutritional value. Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. {{image_2}} Alternative Protein Sources If you want to switch up the protein, try using turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. Turkey keeps the protein high, while tofu is a great plant-based choice. Just ensure you cut the tofu into cubes for even cooking. Different Vegetables to Use You can mix in different vegetables based on your taste. Try zucchini, spinach, or carrots. Each adds a unique flavor and texture. Use whatever you have on hand. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. Adding Spices and Herbs Spices can change the whole dish. Try adding chili powder for a kick, or oregano for a fresh taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work. Add them toward the end of cooking for more flavor. Heat Level Adjustments To spice things up, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with small amounts to find your perfect heat. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the heat. This recipe is flexible to fit everyone’s taste. After cooking, let your high-protein chicken cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it within two hours of cooking for safety. When you reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. Heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Stir occasionally while reheating. This helps the chicken heat evenly. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Divide leftovers into meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. For best taste, try to use it within 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for faster defrosting. Just remember to cook it right away if you use this method. How long does it take to cook chicken in a slow cooker? It usually takes about 6 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high heat. The chicken will be tender and fully cooked when done. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). What can I serve with high-protein chicken? You can serve this chicken with brown rice, whole grain tortillas, or fresh salad. It’s great with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt too! How to adjust the recipe for a larger group? To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use a larger slow cooker to fit everything. You can cook it for the same time, but check the chicken for doneness. This blog post shared a simple recipe for a slow cooker chicken dish. It covered ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to enhance flavors and even make substitutions. We discussed storage and answered common questions too. Now, you can enjoy a tasty meal that's packed with protein. With a few tweaks, it can suit any palate. I hope you feel inspired to create your own version!

High-Protein Savory Chicken Delight

A delicious and nutritious chicken dish packed with protein and flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts and pour the chicken broth over them.
  • Add the sautéed garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir.
  • Add the rinsed quinoa, diced red bell pepper, black beans, and corn on top of the chicken in the slow cooker. Do not mix; just let the ingredients layer.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • Once finished cooking, shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the other ingredients. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve the protein-packed dish in bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
Keyword chicken, high-protein, quinoa, slow cooker