Delicious Chicken Quinoa Bowl ๐ฅ๐
Why You’ll Love This Recipe โค๏ธ
This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a perfect balance of healthy and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables. The homemade lemon-herb dressing adds a bright, zesty finish ๐๐ฟ that ties all the flavors together. Perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed hot or cold!
Table of Contents
Chicken Quinoa Bowl Ingredients ๐
For the Bowl:
- 1ยฝ cups uncooked quinoa ๐ด
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound) ๐
- 4 cups baby spinach, fresh ๐ฅฌ
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved ๐
- 1 English cucumber, diced ๐ฅ
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted ๐ซ
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese ๐ง
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced ๐ง
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed ๐ง
For the Chicken Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ๐ซ
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano ๐ฟ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ๐พ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ๐ถ๏ธ
- Salt and black pepper to taste ๐ง
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- โ cup extra virgin olive oil ๐ซ
- Juice of 2 lemons ๐
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ๐ง
- 1 tablespoon honey ๐ฏ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ๐ถ
- ยผ cup fresh parsley, chopped ๐ฟ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ๐ฑ
- Salt and pepper to taste ๐ง
Chicken Quinoa Bowl Instructions ๐
Cook Quinoa:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly. ๐ฟ
- Cook in 3 cups water according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). ๐ด
- Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly. ๐
Prepare Chicken:
- Mix chicken seasoning ingredients in a bowl. ๐ฅ
- Rub mixture all over chicken breasts. ๐
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. ๐ณ
- Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF. ๐ก๏ธ
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. ๐ช
Make Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar. ๐ซ
- Shake well until emulsified. ๐
- Taste and adjust seasonings. โ
Prepare Other Components:
- Drain and rinse chickpeas. ๐ฟ
- Slice tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. ๐ฅ๐ ๐ง
- Crumble feta cheese. ๐ง
Assemble Bowls:
- Divide quinoa between 4 bowls. ๐
- Arrange sliced chicken and prepared vegetables. ๐๐ฅ
- Top with feta cheese and olives. ๐ง๐ซ
- Drizzle with dressing. ๐๐ฟ
- Serve immediately. ๐ฝ๏ธ
Tips ๐ก
- Cook quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor. ๐ฅฃ
- Meal prep tip: Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat. ๐ฆ
- Toast the chickpeas in the oven for added crunch. ๐ฅ
- Make extra dressing to use throughout the week. ๐ซ
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled halloumi. ๐ง
FAQs โ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes! All components can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store separately in airtight containers. ๐
Q: How long does the dressing last?
A: The dressing will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. ๐ง
Q: Can I use different grains?
A: Absolutely! Brown rice, couscous, or farro work great as alternatives to quinoa. ๐พ
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your quinoa is processed in a gluten-free facility if you’re highly sensitive. โ
Q: What’s the best way to wash quinoa?
A: Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water, rubbing the grains gently with your fingers until the water runs clear. This removes the natural coating that can make quinoa taste bitter.
Q: How spicy is this dish?๐ถ๏ธ
A: This recipe is not spicy as written. If you’d like some heat, add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or the dressing.
Nutrition Information (per serving) ๐ฝ๏ธ
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g ๐ช
- Carbohydrates: 55g ๐
- Healthy Fats: 32g ๐ฅ
- Fiber: 12g ๐ฑ
- Sodium: 780mg ๐ง
Storage ๐ง
- Refrigerate components separately for up to 3 days. ๐ฆ
- Assembled bowls are best eaten within 24 hours. โฒ๏ธ
- Do not freeze assembled bowls. โ๏ธ
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl! ๐ฅ๐๐