chicken breast with quinoa recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken breast with quinoa recipe
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The Best chicken breast with quinoa recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you all – chicken breast with quinoa is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s a dish that’s rich in history and culture, originating from the Mediterranean region where quinoa was first cultivated.

The combination of tender chicken breast and fluffy quinoa is a match made in heaven, and it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to please.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In fact, I like to think of this recipe as a blank canvas, allowing each cook to add their own personal touch and make it their own. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of chicken breast with quinoa for yourself!

Chicken Breast with Quinoa

Chicken Breast with Quinoa

4.9 from 1800 votes

A healthy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast and nutty quinoa. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt
Pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Quinoa

1 cup quinoa
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt
Pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
4Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
6Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7While the chicken is cooking, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
8In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
9Add the quinoa and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
10Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
11Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
12Fluff with a fork and set aside.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Medium saucepan with lid

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 72mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add your favorite vegetables to the quinoa for extra nutrition and flavor.

This chicken breast with quinoa recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve to guests.

And one of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores and reheats – simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat when needed.

For added convenience, consider meal prepping by cooking the quinoa and portioning it out in individual servings before assembling the final dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Breast with Quinoa

Q: What is the ideal ratio of chicken breast to quinoa?

The ideal ratio is about 1 cup of cooked quinoa per 4 oz of chicken breast. This will ensure that each serving has a nice balance of protein and complex carbohydrates.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

While you can use brown rice as a substitute, keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture of the dish slightly. Quinoa has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken breast, so if you want the authentic taste experience, stick with quinoa!

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

A common mistake home cooks make is overcooking the chicken, resulting in dry and tough meat. To avoid this, make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), but not before.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots can add texture and flavor. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before serving.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the presence of chicken breast. However, you can easily modify it by substituting plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

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