Are you tired of complicated recipes that promise the world but deliver nothing but stress? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this incredibly easy yet impressive chicken and quinoa dish that will make you look like a professional chef—without spending hours in the kitchen! In just one hour, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's nutritious, delicious, and guaranteed to wow your family or dinner guests.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and patting dry the chicken breasts. Season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a separate medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Steam or sauté the mixed vegetables in a separate pan until they are tender-crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
- Once chicken is cooked, let it rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips.
- Plate the dish by creating a quinoa base, arranging sliced chicken on top, and surrounding with the mixed vegetables.
- Optionally, drizzle with a small amount of additional olive oil or your favorite light sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Quinoa Perfection: Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and achieve a fluffy, light texture.
- Vegetable Prep Hack: Choose frozen mixed vegetables for convenience, or select fresh seasonal vegetables for extra flavor.
- Resting Matters: Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Flavor Boosting: Experiment with different herb seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or Italian blend to customize the dish to your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be easily prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 295kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
