Healthy Dinner Chicken And Quinoa Bowl

Name: Healthy Dinner Chicken And Quinoa Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; Fresh parsley for garnish; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Ideas

I absolutely love making this Healthy Dinner Chicken and Quinoa Bowl for weeknight dinners! It's a go-to recipe that combines lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. The best part is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings. I've found that the secret to enhancing the flavors lies in marinating the chicken beforehand, which infuses it with delicious spices. Once you try this bowl, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation!

Created by

Una Merrick

Last updated on 2026-02-28T06:13:35.272Z

Preparing the chicken and quinoa bowl has become one of my favorite rituals. I find it rewarding to gather fresh ingredients and create such a nourishing meal. I often customize the veggies depending on what's in my fridge, which keeps the dish vibrant and exciting. The fluffy quinoa acts as a perfect base, soaking up all the flavors from the chicken and dressing.

I've learned that letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes makes a huge difference in taste. Using a variety of spices not only enhances the chicken but also adds layers of flavor to the entire bowl. It's a fantastic way to incorporate healthy eating without sacrificing taste!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein and nutrients to fuel your body
Flexible ingredients mean you can customize it to your taste
Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners

Essential Techniques for Flavorful Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step for infusing robust flavor. I recommend using a resealable bag for marinating; it allows the chicken to be evenly coated with the spice mix while requiring less cleanup. If you’re pressed for time, even 15 minutes will add some flavor, but letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge will yield the best results. The key is to ensure the marinade fully envelops the chicken pieces to maximize penetration.

When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding the marinated chicken. This will help to achieve a golden-brown exterior, enhancing both texture and flavor. Keep an eye on the chicken; you want to remove it from the heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, as overcooking can lead to a dry result. If you prefer a grill mark effect, consider using a grill pan.

Building the Perfect Quinoa Base

Rinsing quinoa before cooking is important to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor if not washed off. Use a fine-mesh sieve to rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water, swirling it gently with your hands to ensure all grains are cleaned. This simple step can elevate the taste of your dish significantly, resulting in a nutty, pleasant flavor.

Once the quinoa is cooked, allow it to sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This resting period helps separate the grains, giving your quinoa a light and airy texture. You can customize this base by adding other grains like farro or barley, or even supplementing with frozen peas or kale for additional nutrients and color.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a wholesome meal:

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa Base

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything ready, you can get started on this delightful bowl!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Healthy Chicken and Quinoa Bowl:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Quinoa

In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, fluff with a fork.

Sauté the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Add the chicken on top.

Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the bowl and mix gently.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Chicken and Quinoa Bowl is perfect for meal prep! Cooked chicken and quinoa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. I often prepare double batches, so I have quick lunches ready for the week. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist and fluffy up the quinoa.

If you're looking for longer-term storage, consider freezing the assembled bowls. Just allow everything to cool completely before packaging them in freezer-safe containers. They can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in the microwave, adding a small amount of liquid to prevent dryness.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas if you’d like a vegetarian version. You can also change up the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand; zucchini, asparagus, or leafy greens like spinach can add beautiful color and nutrients.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding spices like turmeric or coriander to the dressing, or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Serving with a hearty dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can also enhance flavor profiles and add creaminess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and chicken ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

You can use any of your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or broccoli to customize this bowl.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this bowl a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

It's best not to freeze this dish as the quinoa and vegetables may change in texture. However, you can keep it in the fridge for a couple of days.