Chicken Quinoa Bowl | Healthy Recipe

Imagine a delicious meal that’s both tasty and healthy. That’s exactly what a Chicken Quinoa Bowl is all about! It’s a fantastic dish that everyone enjoys. In this bowl, you’ll find grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, fresh greens, black beans, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and the fresh kick of cilantro. The chicken is marinated to perfection, making it savory and zesty. This bowl is not only yummy but also good for you. It’s a balanced meal that’s packed with all the good stuff your body needs. Let’s move into the kitchen and make this easy and healthy Chicken Quinoa Bowl!

Ingredients:

Here are all the healthy ingredients packed with good stuff like vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling full and happy.

  • Chicken (1.5 lbs): This is the main protein. Chicken is lean and good for you. You’ll marinate and cook it for great flavor.
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
  • Limes (Juice and Zest, about 1/3 cup): Limes make the chicken tasty. Juice for tang, zest for extra lime power.
chicken quinoa bowl
  • Olive Oil (2 tbsp): This adds richness to the chicken and helps it stay juicy while cooking.
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
  • Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): Cilantro is fresh and herby, making everything taste nice.
  • Chili Powder (1 tbsp): A bit of chili powder gives a gentle heat. It’s not too spicy, even for kids.
  • Cumin (1 tsp): Cumin is warm and earthy, adding depth to the chicken.
  • Honey (1 tbsp): Honey sweetens things up and balances the heat.
  • Salt and Pepper: These make the flavors pop and taste better.
  • Quinoa (2 cups): Quinoa is a healthy grain, the base of your bowl.
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
  • Greens (2 cups, Romaine or Butter Lettuce): These are fresh and crispy, plus they’re good for you.
  • Black Beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Black beans are full of fiber and protein, making your meal creamy and hearty.
  • Corn (1 cup): Corn adds a sweet and crunchy touch.
  • Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These are juicy and sweet-tasting.
  • More Cilantro (1/4 cup): Extra cilantro makes everything look and taste even better.

Lentil Tabbouleh – Refreshing Healthy Salad

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How to make Chicken Quinoa Bowl:

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Firstly, mix the chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, honey, cumin, pepper and salt in a bowl.
  • Put chicken breasts into a zip-top bag and mix the marinade on them. Lock the bag and keep it refrigerated for 10 to 15 minutes.

Grill the Chicken:

  • Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
  • Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice char. Ensure that the internal temperature is maintained at 165 F 75 C.

Prepare the Quinoa:

  • While the chicken is grilling, heat your cooked quinoa according to the package instructions. Fluff it with a fork.

Assemble the Bowl:

  • Divide the cooked quinoa into four bowls.
  • Top the quinoa with greens, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.

Slice and Serve:

  • Put the grilled chicken on top of the bowl by slicing it into strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
  • Enjoy Your Chicken Quinoa Bowl!
chicken quinoa bowl

Serve your bowls with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions:

  • You can use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer.
  • Make your bowl more healthy with your favorite veggies like avocado, bell peppers, or red onion.
  • Try different dressings or sauces like ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or salsa.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • It’s a balanced meal with protein, grains, and veggies.
  • The marinade adds zesty and savory flavors to the chicken.
  • You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Serve With:

This Chicken Quinoa Bowl is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a side of tortilla chips or a simple fruit salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Chicken Quinoa Bowl!

Equipments:

You can purchase the equipment from Amazon I highly suggest it because I use them.

Storage and Reheating:

“Storage and Reheating” is like a plan for what to do with your Chicken Quinoa Bowl when you’re not going to eat it all at once, or if you want to have it again later.

Storage: This means how to keep your bowl safe and fresh. You can put it in a container with a lid and store it in the fridge. The cold fridge helps to keep it fresh for later.

Reheating: If you want to eat your bowl again, you don’t have to make it from scratch. You can use a microwave or an oven to warm it up. Just be careful not to make it too hot!

So, it’s like putting your meal in the fridge for safekeeping and warming it up when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Easy, right?

Adding Vegetables to Quinoa Chicken Bowl:

“Adding Vegetables to Quinoa Chicken Bowl” simply means putting healthy and tasty veggies into your Chicken Quinoa Bowl. It’s like making your meal more colorful and nutritious.

Here’s how it works:

  • Fresh Greens: You can put some fresh, green leaves like lettuce in your bowl. They’re crunchy and make your bowl look nice. Plus, they’re good for you.
  • Black Beans: These are like little brownish beans. They’re really good for you because they have things that help your tummy feel full and happy.
  • Corn: Corn is those golden nuggets that you might see on the cob. But here, it’s just the little pieces. They’re sweet and add a nice pop to your bowl.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: These are like tiny tomatoes, but they’re usually red and round. They’re juicy and taste a bit sweet and tangy, like a tiny flavor explosion.
  • Cilantro: Cilantro is a leafy green thing that adds a fresh and kinda lemony taste to your bowl. It’s like adding a sprinkle of magic.

So, when you add these veggies to your Quinoa Chicken Bowl, you’re making it yummier and healthier. It’s like creating a rainbow of flavors and goodness in your bowl. Enjoy your tasty and colorful meal!

Best Toppings for Chicken Quinoa Bowls:

“Best Toppings for Chicken Quinoa Bowls” are like the yummy things you can put on top of your Chicken Quinoa Bowl to make it even more delicious. Here are some great ideas for toppings:

  • Salsa: This is like a tomato and veggie mix that adds a zesty kick to your bowl.
  • Avocado: Avocado is creamy and cool, like nature’s butter. It adds a nice texture.
  • Cheese: You can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. It melts and makes everything gooey and tasty.
  • Sour Cream:  It’s like a creamier, tangier version of the regular cream. It’s giving us a good zing.
  • Lime Wedges: The zesty, citrusy flavor is enhanced by the squeeze of freshly squeezed lime juice in your bowl.
  • Cilantro:  It’s as if these are small, greener flowers that taste of freshness and herby. They are great for adding a little color and flavor.

So, these toppings are like the finishing touches to make your Chicken Quinoa Bowl even better

Why You’ll Love Chicken Quinoa Bowl:

Chicken Quinoa Bowl are awesome for a bunch of reasons:

  • Yummy Flavor: They taste good. The chicken is juicy, the quinoa is nutty, and everything is seasoned just right.
  • Healthy Goodness: These bowls are packed with good stuff like lean chicken, quinoa full of nutrients, and fresh veggies. It’s like a nutrition superhero!
  • Easy Peasy: Making them is a piece of cake (well, not literally). You don’t need to be a cooking expert to whip up a tasty bowl.
  • Customizable: You can make them your way. Want extra veggies? Go for it. Like it spicy? Add some hot sauce. They’re like a food canvas!
  • Quick Fix: If you’re hungry and in a hurry, these bowls are your pals. They don’t take forever to make, and they’re ready when you are.

So, there you have it! Chicken Quinoa Bowls are delicious, healthy, easy, and totally your creation. That’s why you’ll love them!

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Quinoa Real

Sure thing! Quinoa is a superstar, but you can swap it out for brown rice, couscous, or even pasta if you like. Just follow the cooking instructions for your chosen grain.

Is chicken quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, indeed! This recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and as long as your other ingredients don’t contain gluten, you’re good to go.

Can I bake or pan-sear the chicken instead of grilling it?

You can! Grilling gives it that nice smoky flavor, but baking or pan-searing works too. Just make sure it’s cooked all the way through.

How many calories are in a chicken quinoa bowl?

chicken quinoa bowl

The exact number can vary based on your portions and ingredients, but a typical chicken quinoa bowl has around 400-500 calories. It’s a pretty balanced meal!

Is quinoa too high in calories?

Nope, quinoa is considered a healthy grain. It has more protein and fiber than many other grains, which can help keep you full and satisfied.

Is quinoa good for weight loss?

Yes, it can be! Quinoa is nutrient-dense and can help control your appetite. Just remember, portion control is key to any weight loss plan.

Is it OK to eat quinoa daily?

Quinoa is super nutritious. Eating it daily can be part of a balanced diet, but like anything, variety is important. Mix it up with other grains and foods to get a wide range of nutrients.

chicken quinoa bowl

Chicken Quinoa Bowl | Healthy Recipe

c5453b9f1a3ca50f7be1b51c8233ae17?s=30&d=mm&r=gAngela A. Pierce
All these ingredients join forces to create a yummy and balanced Chicken Quinoa Bowl. It's packed with good stuff like vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling full and happy. Enjoy your meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Grill or stovetop pan
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast Boneless skinless
  • cup Limes (juice and zest)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro Chopped
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 cup Quinoa Cooked
  • 2 cup Romaine lettuce or butter lettuce
  • 1 cup Canned black beans, Rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Corn
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • ¼ cup Cilantro

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Firstly, mix the chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, honey, cumin, pepper and salt in a bowl.
  • Put chicken breasts into a zip top bag and mix the marinade on them.
  • Lock the bag and keep it refrigerated for 10 to 15 minutes.

Grill the Chicken:

  • Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
  • Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it's cooked through and has a nice char. Ensure that the internal temperature is maintained at 165 F 75 C.

Prepare the Quinoa:

  • While the chicken is grilling, heat your cooked quinoa according to the package instructions. Fluff it with a fork.

Assemble the Bowl:

  • Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls.
  • Top the quinoa with greens, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
    chicken quinoa bowl

Slice and Serve:

  • Put the grilled chicken on top of the bowl by slicing it into strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Notes

Variations and Substitutions:

  • You can use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer.
  • Make your bowl more healthy with your favorite veggies like avocado, bell peppers, or red onion.
  • Try different dressings or sauces like ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or salsa.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • It’s a balanced meal with protein, grains, and veggies.
  • The marinade adds zesty and savory flavors to the chicken.
  • You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Serve With:

This Chicken Quinoa Bowl is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a side of tortilla chips or a simple fruit salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Chicken Quinoa Bowl!
Keyword chicken quinoa bowl

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Angela A. Pierce
Angela A. Pierce

Hi, Angela A. Pierce, a mother, wife, food blogger, and food lover. I am here to share my favorite recipes with all of you! Follow me for my recipes!

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