Are you craving a delicious, nutritious meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant but takes less than an hour to prepare? Look no further! This mouthwatering Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Carrots is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. Packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and vibrant flavors, this dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Wash and chop carrots into uniform 1-inch pieces. Toss carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place seared chicken breasts on the baking sheet alongside the carrots. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and divide among plates. Top with sliced chicken and roasted carrots.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious meal.
Tips
- • Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a fluffy, light texture. • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness - 165°F (74°C) is the perfect internal temperature. • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear. • Cut carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even roasting. • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness. • For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken seasoning. • If you want a crispier carrot texture, spread them more thinly on the baking sheet.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 223kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 18g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
