Slow Cooker Quinoa

Make this Slow Cooker Quinoa as an easy-prep dish that turns out perfect every time! Like all good slow cooker recipes, you can simply set it and forget it.

There's no need to keep watch for boil-overs or burning; the slow cooker has you covered! Make large batches and store leftovers in the fridge to have an easy side dish or base for a main course to use throughout the week.

Jump to:

• 💚 About This Recipe
• 🧂 Ingredients Needed
• 🔪 Instructions
• ❔ FAQs
• 💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
• 💡 Substitutions and Variations
• 🔊 What readers are saying...
• 🥫 Storage and Reheating
• 🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
• ✔️ More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
• How to Cook Quinoa in the Slow Cooker
• 📋 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

💚 About This Recipe

At the end of a long day, when I am tired and feeling hungry, it's just a little too much for me to cook up some quinoa to serve with dinner. This crockpot quinoa recipe completely changes that!

Prep is done earlier in the day before I get to that late afternoon crash, and it really could not be easier. Add the quinoa and the chicken broth to the slow cooker and turn it on low. The hardest part is remembering to plug it in (not that I have personal experience with that issue...ahem).

Now my quinoa turns out perfect every time! Hooray!

Quinoa is also a great source of protein so this recipe will help you meet your protein goals. (For more affordable sources of protein, check out this list of cheap protein sources!)

But if you want an even faster way to cook quinoa, you've got to try this Instant Pot Quinoa! And for a unique way to incorporate quinoa into your diet, make this Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bake.

🧂 Ingredients Needed

• quinoa - this fluffy and edible seed acts as an excellent side dish or a yummy base for other dishes.
• chicken broth - you can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• salt - this optional ingredient adds some extra flavor if you find your quinoa needs it

🔪 Instructions

1. Combine quinoa and broth in the slow cooker. Add salt if using. Cook on low for 2-3 hours and serve!

❔ FAQs

💭 Expert Tips and Tricks

• To rinse, use an extremely fine sieve (mesh works well) or else soak your quinoa in a bowl of water then drain through a cheesecloth or a thin towel.
• Fluff with a work before you serve your quinoa to give it a nice light and fluffy texture.
• You can tell the quinoa is done when it's absorbed all of the liquid and the seeds look like they've popped open.
• Start checking your quinoa an hour and a half or two hours in to ensure it doesn't get overdone.

📌 This kale Caesar salad is easy to customize. Add or omit any ingredients as you please to make a version of the recipe that your family will love!

💡 Substitutions and Variations

• For vegetarian/vegan quinoa, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. I don't recommend using just water, as your quinoa will come out without much flavor.
• To make this more of a main course, you can add other seasonings or ingredients like chopped veggies for more nutrition. Or add this delicious Instant Pot Shredded Italian Chicken for a flavorful and filling weekday meal!

🥫 Storage and Reheating

Slow cooker quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days. It can also be kept in the freezer for around 2 months.

If you end up with extra quinoa after making this recipe, check out my ideas for what to do with leftover pasta and grains - they're perfect for turning leftovers into something new and delicious. Or check out these smart freezer hacks to get some great tips on freezing quinoa and other ingredients!

To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second increments until heated through. From frozen, allow the quinoa to sit in the fridge until thawed, then microwave.

🍴 What To Serve With This Dish

You can pair so many tasty main courses with slow cooker quinoa for a filling and healthy meal!

Top your quinoa with Air Fryer Steak Bites, these tasty Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs, a super nutritious Air Fryer Orange Glazed Salmon, or Mediterranean Chicken Casserole.

BTW, quinoa is naturally gluten-free and therefore a great staple to keep in your pantry if you're in need of budget-friendly gluten-free cooking ideas!

📋 Recipe Card

Update Notes: This post was originally published in April 2016, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in February 2023.