Description
This Chicken & Quinoa Dinner Bowl is a wholesome, protein-rich meal featuring lean pan-seared chicken breast, fluffy quinoa, and a variety of colorful vegetables. It is a balanced, filling dish ideal for clean eating, meal prepping, or a nutritious weeknight dinner that satisfies both taste and health goals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Optional Bowl Add-Ins
- Roasted or steamed broccoli
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Avocado
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter saponins and improve flavor.
- Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure full flavor penetration.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces for serving.
- Assemble the Bowl: Use the cooked quinoa as the base of the bowl, then top with the sliced chicken and your choice of optional vegetables such as broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado, and herbs.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze lemon wedges over the bowl to add brightness. Serve the bowl warm for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Notes
- Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time for convenient meal prep throughout the week.
- This recipe is versatile; swap out chicken for salmon or tofu for alternative protein options.
- Add a light dressing or a yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
