Are you tired of bland, boring healthy meals that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Quinoa Broccoli Pilaf with Chicken! This recipe is not just another health food – it's a flavor explosion that combines protein-rich quinoa, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli in one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious foodies, and anyone looking to elevate their meal prep game in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating and drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add quinoa and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until quinoa becomes slightly fragrant and golden.
- Pour chicken broth into the saucepan with toasted quinoa. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- While quinoa is cooking, steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes. You can use a steamer basket or microwave.
- After quinoa has cooked for 15 minutes, remove lid and gently fold in steamed broccoli florets and shredded chicken.
- Cover and let sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to warm through.
- Fluff quinoa mixture with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in individual portions.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make your dish taste bitter.
- Toasting quinoa before cooking enhances its nutty flavor and helps prevent a mushy texture.
- Use a tight-fitting lid when simmering to ensure even cooking and perfect quinoa texture.
- For extra flavor, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adding herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Don't skip the resting period after cooking – it allows flavors to meld and ensures a more delicious final dish.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Meal prep tip: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunch or quick dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
