Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Delicious Chicken Quinoa Bowl 🥗🍗

ByAkim
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

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 🍋🌿 that ties all the flavors together. Perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed hot or cold!

Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Chicken Quinoa Bowl Ingredients 🛒

For the Bowl:

  • 1½ cups uncooked quinoa 🍴
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound) 🍗
  • 4 cups baby spinach, fresh 🥬
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 English cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted 🫒
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 🧆

For the Chicken Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano 🌿
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌾
  • 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
  • Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒
  • Juice of 2 lemons 🍋
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🍶
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌱
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Chicken Quinoa Bowl Instructions 📋

Cook Quinoa:

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly. 🚿
  2. Cook in 3 cups water according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). 🍴
  3. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly. 🍚

Prepare Chicken:

  1. Mix chicken seasoning ingredients in a bowl. 🥄
  2. Rub mixture all over chicken breasts. 🍗
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. 🍳
  4. Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. 🌡️
  5. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. 🔪

Make Dressing:

  1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar. 🫙
  2. Shake well until emulsified. 🌀
  3. Taste and adjust seasonings. ✅

Prepare Other Components:

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas. 🚿
  2. Slice tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. 🥒🍅🧅
  3. Crumble feta cheese. 🧀

Assemble Bowls:

  1. Divide quinoa between 4 bowls. 🍚
  2. Arrange sliced chicken and prepared vegetables. 🍗🥗
  3. Top with feta cheese and olives. 🧀🫒
  4. Drizzle with dressing. 🍋🌿
  5. Serve immediately. 🍽️

Tips 💡

  • Cook quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor. 🥣
  • Meal prep tip: Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat. 📦
  • Toast the chickpeas in the oven for added crunch. 🔥
  • Make extra dressing to use throughout the week. 🫙
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled halloumi. 🧀

FAQs ❓

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. 📅

Q: How long does the dressing last?

A: The dressing will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 🧊

Q: Can I use different grains?

A: Absolutely! Brown rice, couscous, or farro work great as alternatives to quinoa. 🌾

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. ✅

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?🌶️
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) 🍽️

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 35g 💪
  • Carbohydrates: 55g 🍞
  • Healthy Fats: 32g 🥑
  • Fiber: 12g 🌱
  • Sodium: 780mg 🧂

Storage 🧊

  • Refrigerate components separately for up to 3 days. 📦
  • Assembled bowls are best eaten within 24 hours. ⏲️
  • Do not freeze assembled bowls. ❄️

Enjoy your healthy and delicious Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl! 🥗🍋🍗

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