Boiled quinoa is a nutritious and delicious alternative to popular carb-based sides, such as pasta, rice or couscous. To make it tempt your tastebuds with even more flavor, you can also cook quinoa in chicken stock or or boil it up in tasty quinoa chicken broth recipes.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — who declared 2013 the “International Year of Quinoa” — the whole grain was originally one of the main foods of the ancient Andean people. Traditionally, quinoa grains were roasted and then ground into flour to make bread. Quinoa was also used as a cereal and even fermented into beer or chicha, the traditional drink of the Andes.
These days, cooks tend to demand quicker and easier quinoa dishes. One way to use quinoa is to mix it with chicken broth and vegetables, serve it with fish or chicken, or make a simple quinoa salad. But first it helps to know how to cook quinoa perfectly.
Ever cooked quinoa and ended up with a mushy, flavorless mess? Yeah, me too I used to follow those package directions religiously – 2 cups of water for every cup of quinoa – and wondered why my quinoa always turned out like sad, clumpy porridge. But then I discovered the chicken broth trick that changed EVERYTHING
This is my tried-and-true way to cook quinoa with chicken broth, which will always give you light, fluffy grains that are full of flavor. If you try this method, you’ll never go back to plain water!
Why Cook Quinoa in Chicken Broth?
Let’s be honest – quinoa by itself can taste pretty bland. It’s like the tofu of grains – it absorbs whatever flavors you throw at it. That’s where chicken broth comes in to save the day:
- Flavor Infusion: Chicken broth adds a savory depth that water simply can’t provide
- Added Nutrition: You’re basically doubling up on nutrients
- No Extra Work: Same cooking process, just swap out the liquid
- Versatility: Creates a better base for literally ANY quinoa dish
One of my readers, Janice, emailed me last week saying: “I was skeptical about using broth instead of water, but WOW! My family actually asked for seconds on quinoa for the first time ever!”
The Perfect Quinoa-to-Broth Ratio
Here’s where most recipes go wrong. The standard 1:2 ratio (1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid) often results in soggy quinoa. I’ve experimented a TON, and here’s what works best:
For perfectly fluffy quinoa: Use 1 cup quinoa to 1¼ cups chicken broth.
However, there are a couple variations depending on your preferences:
| Quinoa Texture | Quinoa Amount | Chicken Broth Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Super Fluffy | 1 cup | 1¼ cups |
| Standard | 1 cup | 1½ cups |
| Softer | 1 cup | 2 cups |
The Pioneer Woman suggests using 2½ cups broth for 2 cups of quinoa, which is similar to my preferred ratio. Chef’s Resource recommends the standard 1:2 ratio, which works fine but might be slightly softer.
Choosing the Right Chicken Broth
Not all chicken broths are the same! The quality of your broth has a HUGE effect on how the dish tastes in the end.
Best Options (in order of awesomeness):
- Homemade chicken broth – Nothing beats it for flavor and you control the sodium
- Low-sodium store-bought broth – Look for ones with simple ingredients
- Bone broth – Super rich flavor and extra nutrients
- Bouillon cubes/paste – Convenient but watch the sodium
I usually freeze some broth I make myself, but when I’m not home, I like Pacific Foods low-sodium chicken broth. It’s clean-tasting without weird additives.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Quinoa with Chicken Broth
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s my foolproof method:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (any color)
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust if your broth is already salted)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions:
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Rinse the quinoa – Place it in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 1-2 minutes. This removes the saponin coating that can make quinoa bitter. (Some packaged quinoa is pre-rinsed, but I still give it a quick rinse just to be safe.)
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Combine ingredients – In a medium saucepan, add your rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, and salt. If you want extra richness, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
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Bring to a boil – Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
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Reduce and simmer – Once boiling, immediately lower the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
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Rest and steam – This is THE SECRET STEP everyone misses! After 15 minutes, turn off the heat completely but DO NOT REMOVE THE LID. Let the quinoa sit, covered, for another 10-20 minutes. This resting period allows any remaining moisture to be absorbed without overcooking.
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Fluff and serve – Finally, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork (not a spoon – that’ll mush it).
There you have it! The quinoa should be perfectly soft, with a little white “tail” curled around each grain.
Troubleshooting Quinoa Problems
Even with this method, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to fix common quinoa issues:
Problem: My quinoa is mushy
Solution: You probably used too much liquid or stirred it while cooking. Next time, try less broth and resist the urge to peek or stir during cooking.
Problem: My quinoa is crunchy/undercooked
Solution: Add 2-3 tablespoons more broth, cover, and let sit for another 5-10 minutes.
Problem: My quinoa sticks to the bottom of the pan
Solution: Use a heavy-bottomed pot and make sure your heat is low enough during simmering.
Flavor Boosters and Variations
Basic chicken broth quinoa is great, but let’s take it up another notch! Here are some easy additions to mix in AFTER cooking:
Mix-Ins:
- Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro)
- Minced shallots or red onion
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Dried fruits
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon or lime juice
- Diced avocado
Flavor Variations:
- Mediterranean: Add lemon zest, fresh parsley, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes
- Mexican: Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and diced jalapeño
- Asian-Inspired: Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions
- Herby: Fold in a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill
FAQ About Cooking Quinoa with Chicken Broth
I get TONS of questions about cooking quinoa, so I’m answering the most common ones:
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead?
A: Absolutely! It works just as well but has a different flavor profile.
Q: How long does cooked quinoa last in the fridge?
A: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze cooked quinoa?
A: Yep! Spread it on a baking sheet to cool, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps for about 2 months.
Q: Can I cook quinoa in a rice cooker using chicken broth?
A: Definitely! Use the same ratios and cook on the white rice setting.
Q: Which color quinoa is best with chicken broth?
A: White quinoa has the mildest flavor and fastest cooking time. Red and black have nuttier flavors and might need a few extra minutes.
Q: Do I need to add salt if I’m using chicken broth?
A: Taste your broth first. If it’s low-sodium, add about ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt per cup of quinoa. If it’s regular broth, you might not need any additional salt.
Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Broth Quinoa
One of the best things about quinoa is that it’s perfect for meal prep! Here’s how I handle it:
- Cook a big batch using chicken broth on Sunday
- Portion into containers and refrigerate
- Use throughout the week in salads, buddha bowls, or as a side dish
- Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water if needed
If the quinoa seems dry after refrigeration, just add a tiny splash of broth before reheating.
Why I’ll Never Go Back to Water
I’ve been cooking quinoa weekly for over 5 years, and I can honestly say that using chicken broth instead of water was a game-changer for me. It’s such a simple swap that makes a HUGE difference in flavor.
My husband used to call quinoa “that bird seed stuff” but now he actually requests it! The broth adds that subtle savory note that transforms quinoa from boring health food to something you actually crave.
Final Thoughts
Cooking quinoa with chicken broth is one of those small kitchen hacks that makes a big difference. It takes literally zero extra effort but elevates the entire dish.
I’d love to hear your favorite quinoa mix-ins and flavor combinations too! And if you have any quinoa cooking questions I didn’t cover, drop them below and I’ll do my best to help.
Happy cooking!
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my guide on “10 Ways to Use Leftover Quinoa” next week!
How to Boil Quinoa
A simple trick to make quinoa a more flavor-intense side dish is to use chicken broth or stock rather than water as the cooking fluid. This also works well for quinoa thats subsequently chilled and used in quinoa salad recipes. Here are the steps that the Whole Grains Council recommend for boiling perfect quinoa every time, whatever liquid you use:
- Rinse: Quinoa may still have bitter saponins in it, which are natural chemicals that protect crops from pests. It’s best to give it a good shake before using it.
- One cup of quinoa should be mixed with two cups of liquid, like chicken broth or stock. For health reasons, look for stock that is low in sodium or doesn’t have any at all. ) This will make 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
- Bring to a boil: Quinoa should be 12 to 15 minutes simmering in a pan with a lid. By that time, the water should be fully absorbed and the quinoa should be light and fluffy. The bread is done when each grain has a small white tail that stands out. This is the germ of the kernel.
- Do you have any leftovers? You can use these as a treat in quinoa salad recipes. Just mix them with chopped vegetables and your favorite dressing. Or, for a hearty lunch, mix some cooked quinoa that you have left over with chicken broth and vegetables.