Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a Cuban-inspired culinary masterpiece that combines zesty marinated chicken, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant fresh ingredients! These Mojo Chicken Quinoa Bowls are not just a meal – they're a flavor journey that will transport you straight to the sunny streets of Cuba with every single bite. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick, nutritious dinner or a foodie craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new weeknight obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mojo marinade
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine chicken breasts with mojo marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard remaining marinade.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have a golden-brown exterior and be fully cooked through.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare quinoa by combining rinsed quinoa and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips against the grain.
- Dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- Assemble bowls by dividing quinoa among four serving plates. Top each bowl with sliced mojo chicken, diced bell peppers, and avocado slices.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately while ingredients are warm.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: For maximum flavor, don't rush the marinating process. Let the chicken soak in the mojo marinade for at least 30 minutes, but if you can plan ahead, 4 hours will create even more depth of flavor.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can make it taste bitter.
- Meal Prep Hack: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. You can prepare the components in advance and assemble quickly during the week.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap out bell peppers for other vegetables like corn, black beans, or roasted sweet potatoes to keep things interesting.
- Fresh Matters: Use fresh cilantro and ripe avocado to elevate the final presentation and add brightness to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
