Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to Mexico without leaving your kitchen? Our Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl is not just a meal; it's a fiesta in a bowl! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, tender chicken, and colorful veggies, this dish is a wholesome and delicious way to spice up your dinner routine. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a colorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering recipe that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken breast, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- While quinoa is cooking, slice chicken breast into thin strips. Pat chicken dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- In a small bowl, mix fajita seasoning with salt and pepper. Coat chicken strips evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Add seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top quinoa with the sautéed chicken, peppers, and onions.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh sliced avocado and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This simple step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can slice your chicken, bell peppers, and onion ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- High Heat for Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and enhances the flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the avocado and cilantro! They add a fresh, creamy contrast to the savory chicken and veggies.
- Add a Zing: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can elevate the flavors and add a refreshing brightness to your bowl.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep! Store the components separately in airtight containers and assemble when ready to eat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
