why make this recipe
Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl is not just a meal; it’s a well-balanced dish filled with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Quinoa is a great source of complete protein and pairs perfectly with chicken and veggies. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables!
how to make Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain. In a medium pot, combine quinoa and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and divide it into bowls.
- Top each bowl with the sautéed chicken and vegetables, then add sliced avocado on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy dinner!
how to serve Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl
Serve your Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl warm, straight from the stovetop. You can enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with a light salad for a more filling meal. Feel free to add extra toppings like cheese or nuts for more flavor and texture.
how to store Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate the avocado to add fresh later.
tips to make Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl
- Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- Mix and match your veggies according to what you have or your personal preferences.
- To add more flavor, try sautéing garlic or onions with the vegetables.
- For additional protein, consider adding chickpeas or beans.
variation
You can easily change the protein in this recipe. Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Similarly, feel free to swap out the vegetables based on seasons or personal taste. For a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
-
Can I use water instead of chicken broth for cooking quinoa?
Yes, you can use water if you prefer. However, chicken broth adds more flavor. -
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add more veggies or some beans for protein. -
How long does it take to cook quinoa?
Cooking quinoa usually takes about 15 minutes. Once all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy, it’s ready to eat!
Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A well-balanced, protein-packed dinner bowl with quinoa, chicken, and fresh veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain. In a medium pot, combine quinoa and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot.
- Season with salt and pepper and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and divide it into bowls.
- Top each bowl with the sautéed chicken and vegetables, then add sliced avocado on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy dinner!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Can also be frozen for up to 2 months without avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
