Description
Discover the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and whole grains in this vibrant Chicken Quinoa Bowl. Succulent seasoned chicken is paired with fluffy quinoa and a rainbow of fresh vegetables for a complete, one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and delicious—ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
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1 cup quinoa, rinsed
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1 Tbsp olive oil (plus 1 Tbsp, divided)
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3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
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1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1″ cubes
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1 tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 yellow bell pepper, diced
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1 medium zucchini, sliced
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½ red onion, finely chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 cups baby spinach
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Cook the quinoa: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rinsed quinoa and toast 1 min. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 15 min. Remove from heat, rest 5 min, then fluff with a fork.
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Season & sear chicken: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pat chicken dry, toss with spices. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken in batches 3–4 min per side until golden and 165 °F inside. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
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Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add bell peppers, zucchini, and onion. Sauté 4–5 min until crisp-tender. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cook 2 min until tomatoes blister.
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Combine & finish: Return chicken to skillet; stir in spinach until wilted. Squeeze lemon juice over top and sprinkle parsley. Gently toss to combine.
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Serve: Divide quinoa among bowls, top with chicken–vegetable mixture, and garnish as desired.
Notes
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Rinse quinoa to remove its bitter saponin coating.
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Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken—work in batches.
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Storage: Keep quinoa and chicken separate from veggies for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: Add a splash of broth, then microwave in 30 sec bursts or warm in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Bowl
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: Modern American (adaptable to Mediterranean, Mexican, etc.)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken quinoa bowl, healthy one-pot meal, meal prep, high protein, gluten-free