Creamy Tex-Mex Quinoa Dippers
A healthy, simple slow-cooker-made quinoa meal, this concoction of goodness is perfect with tortilla chips as an appetizer or main dish!
Can we have a little heart to heart about quinoa? What are your deepest thoughts and feelings about it? Do you love it? Hate it? Does the texture make you shudder or do you crave the stuff?
I have heard from a lot of you lately that you really, really want to love quinoa but quite honestly, you are struggling and aren’t sure if everyone on the quinoa bandwagon is lying to your face about how good it is or if you are missing the quinoa-loving gene.
We’ve been official quinoa eaters (official meaning it has a permanent place in my pantry and we eat it in some form at least once a week) for upwards of a year now.
I was a skeptic at the beginning. I first tried it in a sweet breakfast oatmeal-ish type recipe and…I…I just couldn’t. I was expecting creamy, soft oatmeal and instead I got an unexpected blast of not-oatmeal-quinoa texture that I wasn’t adequately prepared for.
I had to step away from it for a month before I dared again.
But once I tried it in a few savory dishes, it started to grow on me and my family. In fact, I make it alongside rice anytime we are serving a stir-fry or gravy-type dish and the majority of my family chooses quinoa over rice now (I mentioned that here a while ago).
These little quinoa patties are food from the heavens and are my go-to if other dinner plans fall through or it’s leftover night without any leftovers. I can’t even count the variations we’ve made with them (added spinach or kale, swapped out different cheeses, changed up the spices, etc.).
If I could give anyone advice about quinoa, it would be to keep trying. I am a total quinoa success story (and you can be, too!).
The recipe I’m sharing today is perfect for those who may be starting out as newbies in the quinoa world as well as for the more experienced quinoa eaters.
First of all, it’s simple. All the ingredients except the last three are thrown in the slow cooker which means there’s no need to cook the quinoa beforehand – it plumps to quinoa perfection in the slow cooker along with the other hearty, nutritious ingredients.
After stirring in cream cheese, fresh lime juice and cilantro, you have an exceptionally delicious creamy pot full of love and quinoa goodness. Plus, the quinoa melds with all the other ingredients into a tender mess of yumminess so the texture is almost unnoticeable.
I’ve made this three or four times, once as a contribution to a potluck and also as a main dish meal for our family. I said this last week, but even though it’s summer and the weather is heating up, I still use my slow cooker all the time because it keeps my kitchen much cooler than turning on the oven.
This is a delicious, perfect meal for those that don’t have a lot of time to cook it, plan it, or slave over it. Plus, it’s so tasty, you’ll be wondering where quinoa has been all your life.
What to Serve With This
- Fresh Green Bean Salad
- Fresh Fruit
- Tortilla chips (baked or regular)
One Year Ago: Father’s Day Guide: Gifts & Grub! {by Brian}
Two Years Ago: Ginger Crinkle Cookies
Three Years Ago: Jackson’s Wacky Cake
Creamy Tex-Mex Quinoa Dippers
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced or petite-diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup quinoa, well-rinsed and drained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4-8 ounces light or regular cream cheese, cubed (depending on how creamy you like it)
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Handful of chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, toss the chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes and quinoa together.
- In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and give it all a good stir (scrape down any quinoa that may be stuck to the sides of the slow cooker above the liquid).
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Toss in the cubed cream cheese and cover the slow cooker for 5-10 minutes to let it soften.
- Stir all the ingredients together until the cream cheese is mixed in well.
- Add the lime juice and cilantro and give it another quick stir.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips.
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Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (inspired from a recipe my sister Em sent me that was more of a Ranch-style quinoa slow cooker meal; altered it to be Tex-Mex without any prepackaged seasonings)
I made these for dinner yesterday. It made a lot! Good stuff!! Even my picky eater kids — who have NOT liked quinoa in the past — were pleased and ate seconds. I added a can of green chiles, and a can of olives, as per my family’s taste. I appreciate the note about rinsing the quinoa first… A big help! Thank you!
My husband and (very picky) son are absolutely wild over this recipe. I’ve tried several quinoa recipes that just weren’t able to win them over. This will become a “regular” for both home and work! Thank you for this and all of your recipes. I actually found myself thinking today, “I’m such a rock star in the kitchen.”
I love that Barbara! You ARE a rock star!
Every single time I try making quinoa (even having rinsed it before hand) it turns out gritty and I feel like I’m eating something that has fallen in sand! It has made me toss out entire bowls of the stuff after one “bad” bite. Any suggestions?
Hi Julie – what brand of quinoa are you using? I’m not sure if it depends on brand but maybe it’s worth a try to switch and see if that helps. I rinse my quinoa for 2-3 minutes – probably excessively – so you could try tacking on some extra time rinsing to see if that helps. I also cook it in chicken broth if using it in a savory recipe. Good luck!
Mel, how do you think this would taste using a taco seasoning packet? I try to avoid the packets but I’m heading to the beach for a family vacation and the packet will be so much easier to use at our condo. 🙂
Emily – I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure…worth a try. You could also measure out and combine the seasonings for the recipe in a bag so it could be added quickly to the recipe. Good luck.
Do you think mine ended up thick because I only used 2 oz. of cream cheese? It was good, just a little thicker than I would’ve liked.
Michelle – Probably – especially because the light cream cheese (which I use) tends to be slightly runnier than full fat cream cheese so I can see the amount of cream cheese making a difference (especially 2 ounces vs. 8 ounces).
I hated quinoa too until I realized I wasn’t rinsing it long enough (to get rid of the bitter coating on the seed) and that I also prefer it on the more tender side. I started cooking it with a little extra water (compared to what most “make plain quinoa” recipes call for) and what I got was fluffy and yummy, not crunchy and chewy. This looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it!
Tried this recipe the other night but instead of using chips I went ahead and used it on tortillas to make burritos. I like things spicier so I topped it with pepper jack cheese and some nacho jalapeños, but even before I did this the flavor was wonderful. My husband loved it and he loved that we were eating healthy quinoa. Super easy meal to throw together and there was plenty for leftovers! I ran out of time to slow cook on low so boosted it to high (and reduced the time) and it still came out great.
Hi Mel,
How much cream cheese did you use to achieve the level of creaminess shown in your picture? Thanks so much!!
Jennifer
Jennifer – I use 8 ounces of light cream cheese.
I made this for dinner tonight with some trepidation as we are not really Tex Mex fans, but (almost) everyone loved it. I think the highlight for my kids was the fact that they could eat chips for dinner :). I have never had quinoa before, but to be honest, I don’t think you can actually taste a distinct quinoa flavor in this dish. All the flavors blend together, and the texture is masked by the other ingredients. I think it would make great party food. Loved that my dinner was cooking all day while I gardened in the sunshine.
Hi Mel, I made this for dinner last night. Side note- it’s becoming embarrassing how often my husband asks “Is this what Mel just posted?” because he sees your FB posts too… you post it, I make it! 🙂 Anyway, I was really impressed by how easy this was and how well it worked. I will definitely make it again, the only thing I might try to change is to somehow make it less thick. Maybe at the end I’ll stir in some grated cheddar and sour cream?
Thanks for the recipe!
This was delicious but it looked NOTHING like your picture. It all got mashed together and looked more like refried beans. I wonder if my crock pot cooks too high?
Hi, Mel! I’m sure this will also good for wraps filling! I love quinoa but due to difficulties in getting hands on them (& the price here!) I rarely cook it unless for some “special” dishes worth to make..
I’ve been playing with wraps lately & had thought of using one of your quinoa salad recipe as the filling but I think this will be the one that works for my Mom, Pops & the rest of my fam. BTW, have you tried the Red Quinoa version? I haven’t tried the neutral-white one, instead I jumped directly to the red one & for me, it’s yummy! (note: more complex flavor)
My entire quinoa gagging family LOVED THIS!!! So delicious!!!! Thanks so much for changing our minds. 🙂
Amy Wolin – That’s awesome, Amy – thanks for checking back in to let me know!
Hey Mel, do you think I could double this and still fit it in a large slow cooker?
Vicky – Yes, this should double just fine for a larger (oval-shaped) 7 or 8 quart slow cooker.
I’m a quinoa newbie so I’m always looking for a yummy way to try it. I usually default to rice because it costs less, but I know that quinoa is an even healthier alternative. Thanks for the recipe – this one I will definitely be trying!
Any thoughts on how this would be cold, like as a dip?
Betsy – I haven’t tried it cold so I am not sure – it might be a little bit too thick (not quite as creamy).
Help! I almost forgot the quinoa, so ran downstairs to the pantry grabbed my box, measured it and poured it in…yep..I for to rinse and drain it…will I be throwing it out?
Diana Elliott – It depends on if the quinoa you have is “pre-rinsed” – I rinse my quinoa no matter what because it can leave a pretty bitter taste. I am not sure if the other ingredients in this dish will help mask that. Good luck!
Mel,
I just want you to know that your blog is my personal cookbook. I have been reading it for a few years and now most things on my weekly menu are your recipes. I have 4 children and there is always something that will please both the kids and adults alike. Our favorite recipe (my 16 year old son gets a bit miffed when there is non in the fridge) is the massaged kale salad. We are addicted!!! Southwest chicken wraps, quinoa and black bean salad, and many others are on our favorites list. Just wanted to say thank you and for you to know that your blogging is benefitting one very happy So. California family!!!!
Thanks, Julie! You are so sweet – comments like yours totally make blogging worth it. Thank you!
I LOVE quinoa but every time I make it it turns out horrible. How do I make it?! I thought it was just like rice. But apparently not?
Carlie – If I’m going to use quinoa in a savory dish, I almost always cook it in low-sodium chicken broth or salted water. I take 1 cup quinoa and rinse it really, really well in a fine mesh strainer (so important so it isn’t bitter) and then put it in a pot with 2 cups broth or salted water and bring to a boil uncovered. Then, I turn it down, cover, and let it simmer for 14-15 minutes. Take it off the heat, leave it covered and let it rest for five minutes or so.
Had to come back and say I put this in the crockpot on high for about 3.5 hours and then threw in the cream cheese. It worked out great! It got rave reviews from my husband and my kids aged 2.5 and 5. I personally couldn’t even really taste the quinoa and we all agreed it would be a fine meal even without the chicken. Thanks for another great recipe that doesn’t make me turn on my oven!!
Thanks for saving my bacon yesterday! I had no clue what to make for dinner but saw your post and had all the ingredients so I threw them in the crockpot while my baby played on the floor. This was literally the first meal I’ve ever made fast enough that he was happy the whole prep time. Thank you for saving dinner and my sanity!
Mel, I love this recipe. I love quinoa depending on the recipe. I like it in picnic style salads, in casseroles, and other recipes. I don’t really love it on its own, but I always love the additional protein you get instead of consuming pasta or rice. Thanks!
Great job! That looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Mel: I LOVE quinoa and have for years!!!! Can’t wait to try this. I just happened upon probably the best recipe EVER last week. If you’re needing a pasta-like baked side dish, try the Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake found on http://www.halfbakedharvest.com. Honestly, this was the best quinoa dish I have ever made. Perfect when you’re trying to stay away from those simple carbs but need a good Italian side dish.
Looks awesome, Mel! I have a quick question: Where do you find your quinoa? I used to buy mine at Costco until the price more than doubled. . . Suggestions? Thanks!
Amy – I’m not sure what the price is in stores, but the last couple of times I’ve bought the TruRoots brand on amazon.
Mel, I think you’ve mentioned before that you have access to a Sam’s Club, right? Our Sam’s has just recently started carrying quinoa! On my last trip, I noticed that they now have coconut oil and chia seeds too! I was very excited!! 🙂
I love quinoa and am always looking for new recipes that I can use as a main dish, especially since I have a daughter that doesn’t like most meat, but who loves quinoa. I may have to try this one without the chicken. Thanks for the yummy recipes.
We are brand new to quinoa–have an upopened bag in my pantry. This recipe is perfect for us. Thanks!
I was wondering if you thought plain greek yogurt could be substituted for the cream cheese? I have an anti-cream cheeser in the family but want to retain that creamy texture! What do you think?
Looks great! How many would you say this serves? Would there be a way to substitute rice (husband is not on board with quinoa)?
Hi Isabelle – it kind of depends what you are serving it with (if it’s a main dish or a side dish/appetizer) but it easily feeds my family of 7 (5 kids and 2 adults) with a bit of leftovers.
PS – I’m not sure how to convert the recipe to rice – maybe it’s a good chance to see if it could convert your husband to quinoa??
I have issues with raw chicken (ESPECIALLY when I’m pregnant). Since it’s in the crock pot, would it be ok to just throw the chicken breast in whole and frozen so that I don’t have to deal with it?
Hi Lori – yes, I’ve made it that way before and then I take out the chicken at the end, shred it and put it back in. Should work great!
I feel like this would be a good meal without the quinoa. I have a box sitting in my pantry that I’m trying to get the courage to use but I’m afraid if we don’t like it it will ruin this whole meal so maybe I better use it on a one serving type dish first.
I’m getting ready to put this in the crockpot right now. I’m a bit late for 6-8 hours of cooking, so I am going to put it on high and hope for the best! But you solved my dinner dilemma for tonight, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!
i love quinoa! this sounds amazing! (and i think i’ve had the recipe you adapted it from, or at least a very similar variation).
I am so excited to make this right now for dinner this evening! I think I will pair it with the lemon bars, so delicious! You save me all the time in getting a good meal on the table for my family amid the crazy sports schedules. Thank you from my whole heart!
I love quinoa but am always looking for new recipes. This one looks like a keeper for sure! Pinning.
Have a wonderful Wednesday Mel!
Love the stuff! My sister made your Mango Black Bean Quinoa salad for a baby blessing Sun. and it was a huge hit…………BUT I still think quinoa is the best breakfast on the planet! With roasted pears and honey and a little drizzle of milk, it’s my absolute favorite thingL:) Isn’t is crazy that we’re all so different? That’s what makes the world go round:) xoxo Lisa
Great idea to use quinoa in a dip!
My favorite restaurant scatters quinoa in one of their main dish salads and that’s the way I like it. Just a little of the stuff to add a bit of texture and interest. I can’t get past the price to cook with it at home.
The gluten free trend and the need for expensive substitutions is puzzling to me since very few people need to eat that way,
This looks amazing! Any thoughts on if it would work without the chicken? I’ve got a house full of vegetarians here!
Kristen – I think it would work great without chicken! I wouldn’t change anything else in the recipe.
I do love quinoa but am mindful that it is a bit of a super food AND a protein. I try to use recipes including quinoa as my main course instead of pairing them with other proteins (meat especially) or adding meats directly to them. I’m also mindful of what Angela has written about third world countries that are loosing their food to our importing it here… it has yet to be cultivated successfully in the US
Lynn
Hi Mel!
I love, love, love your recipes. Thanks for all you do!
When it comes to quinoa, I love the stuff. However, I’m careful not to eat it too often. Yes, it is a super food, and super good for you. However, the growing popularity of it outside the Andes region (and limited supply) is causing the price to increase significantly. Unfortunately, many of the native peoples who have relied on quinoa as a staple for thousands of years can no longer afford to buy it. As a result, there is increasing malnutrition.
This is not to say should never eat quinoa. But we should be judicious about it’s over use, and aware of the ramifications of our purchasing.
Thanks for letting me share the word!
Thanks for the insight, Angela!
That’s absolutely not true. I have friends in Santiago, Chile, who tell me that the price has not changed one bit. Perhaps elsewhere?
Looks amazing! I love using my slow cooker in the summer too!
Looks absolutely amazing! Any suggestions on how to make this for those who don’t have a slow cooker?
Mona – I suppose you could try simmering everything in a pot on the stove until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed – and then stir in the cream cheese and other ingredients. Good luck if you try it!
So you put the chicken in the slow cooker raw?
Amanda – yes, the chicken is raw when it goes in the slow cooker.
Another great recipe. Thank you!
Mel, you are amazing! Thanks for listening — a rare quality today. And thanks for the encouragement to get out of the box and think healthy, nutritious, and tasty. My quinoa has been a constant in my cupboard also — been there for a year after using once. 🙂 We, as a family, are still trying hard to exchange white flour (we have a love affair with this type of carbs) for whole white wheat and like it as much as the white stuff. Your recipes inspire me to keep trying.
It took me a while to jump on the quinoa bandwagon, but I have to say I really love it. I cook it in chicken broth for extra flavor. I don’t think I would like it in sweet dishes, though. This looks so delicious, Mel!
I’m a fan of quinoa, but this sounds amazing! So creamy and flavorful, mmm 😀
I definitely don’t love quinoa as much as the food bloggers do. I’ve tried your patties and ham and cheese bites and several salads (had the black bean and sweet corn quinoa salad last night, actually!), all of which are good, but I can’t handle it as a breakfast cereal, and I don’t think I could do it as a sub for rice. I could definitely handle this, however. Some of our favorite flavors and I need more recipes that don’t require turning on the oven or standing over the stove, or even being in the kitchen at all!
This looks and sounds GLORIOUS !!! Can’t wait to try it !!! You always know just what I need in the food world 🙂