Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli over Quinoa
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli over Quinoa is the best hot summer meal. Cooked in a Crock-Pot makes it a no brainer meal. To me the Crock-Pot is a life saver during the hot summer months here in the desert. Not only can I start dinner before going to work and have it ready to eat when I get home, but the kitchen doesn’t get heated up. When the temperatures outside are over 105 degrees F. that is a very nice perk.
I originally ran across this recipe from the Pioneer Women on her Food Network program. Of course I had to put my own spin on it by adding onion powder and garlic powder, adding in onion, swapping out the soy sauce with Bragg’s Amino Acids and a few other changes to remove allergens. I also served it over quinoa instead of rice.
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 6 servings | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 4 hours |
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Adapted from Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli recipe from Ree Drummond - Pioneer Woman
Recipe CreatorDonna at www.donnatrition.com
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- 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken stock , preferrably homemade
- 1/2 cup Bragg Liquid Aminos
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 green bell pepper coarsely chopped
- 1/2 onion sliced 1/4" half circles
- cooked quinoa for serving
- 4 scallions sliced, for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
- Season the chicken chunks lightly with onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix to cover chicken pieces and put them in a slow cooker.
- Stir together the stock, Bragg Liquid Aminos, ginger, sriracha and garlic in a small bowl and pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours.
- After 3 1/2 hours, mix together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Stir it into the slow cooker along with the sesame oil. Add the broccoli, onions and peppers, cover and continue cooking on high for 30 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve over quinoa garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
You can cook this on low for 6 to 8 hours so that it is ready when you return home. 30 minutes before you are ready to eat continue with step 3.
Can also be served over rice.
Additional Health Info
Chicken – A low fat protein that is rich in phosphorus, an essential mineral that supports your teeth and bones, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system functions. High in the amino acid tryptophan it will increase the serotonin levels in your brain, improving your mood and lowering stress levels.
Garlic Powder – May help reduce LDL cholesterol, strengthen the immune system and help fight cancer. Has blood thinning benefits that help with high blood pressure and heart disease. Contains manganese, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, and Iodine.
Onion Powder – contains manganese, potassium, calcium and Vitamin C to support blood sugar levels, bone density and growth, blood pressure levels.
Sea Salt – Includes 84 vital minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bromide, chloride, iron, copper, and zinc among other beneficial elements.
Freshly Ground Pepper – Stimulates the taste buds which in turn starts the production of stomach acid for proper digestion. An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic. Also it is an excellent source of manganese, a good source of iron and vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Furthermore, it has diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and diuretic (promotes urination) properties.
Chicken Stock – (Homemade) Contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, glucosamine and trace minerals. It helps heal the lining of your gut and promotes healthy digestion. Reduces joint pain and inflammation and promotes strong bones.
Bragg Liquid Aminos – Non-GMO soy, gluten free, no MSG, no additional table salt and no preservatives. Furthermore, it contains 16 of the 20 amino acids needed by the body for tissue growth and repair, and digestion.
Ground Ginger – Potent anti-inflammatory and natural painkiller offering relief for those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Used for coughs, sore throats, stuffy nose, upset stomach and chronic indigestion. In addition it contains potassium, magnesium, calcium and folate.
More Information
Sriracha – Contain capsaicin which is known to help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. The garlic in sriracha sauce also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Can also help to dissolve blood clots, fight inflammation, and improve circulation. May help you fight a cold by acting as an expectorant.
Garlic – Contains manganese, Vitamins B6 and C, selenium and fiber. Also contains calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and Vitamin B1. Antioxidant and may reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.
Arrowroot Powder – Contains plant protein, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, fiber and B vitamins. It’s gluten-free making it a good alternative to traditional starches and wheat.
Toasted Sesame Oil – Contains Vitamins E and K, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc. May reduce blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, boost bone health and skin appearance
Broccoli – Considered a super food it is rich in iron, protein, calcium, chromium, carbohydrates, vitamin A and vitamin C. Contains anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. Improves the immune system and strengthens bones, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Green Bell Peppers – Low in calories, high in Vitamins A and C. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Contains lutein, adequate intake of lutein may improve eye health. Also includes Vitamins E and B6, folate and potassium.
Onions – The phytochemicals and Vitamin support your immune system, contains chromium to help stabilize blood sugar, and they are a scavenger of free radicals. Furthermore, it contains Vitamin B-6 and manganese and small amounts of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Quinoa – High in protein and contains all of the amino acids needed and is loaded with antioxidants. Gluten-free, not really a grain but a seed, Complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index. Is also high in the minerals Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and (for women) Iron. The phytic acid found in quinoa can be reduced by either soaking or sprouting the quinoa before cooking.
These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli over Quinoa
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli over Quinoa