Description
This Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a wholesome, protein-packed meal that combines juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and easily customizable to fit your taste!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn (grilled or steamed)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth (or water) and salt to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, and slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Divide the cooked quinoa among serving bowls as the base.
- Add spinach or mixed greens to one side of each bowl.
- Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and corn around the bowl.
- Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately for a fresh and healthy meal, or pack in containers for meal prep.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice blend and olive oil for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap out the spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting roasted chickpeas or tofu for the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg