Description

A fast, healthy, and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring tender seasoned chicken, fluffy quinoa, and crisp veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is packed with protein and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup white or red quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
2 medium bell peppers, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove saponin. Dice the chicken, peppers, and onion, and mince the garlic.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in a single layer for 2-3 minutes until golden, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Check that quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Stir in drained black beans (and spinach/kale if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to avoid bitterness. Do not crowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning. Keep heat low when simmering quinoa to prevent burning. If reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 450
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 1.5
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 8
Protein: 32

Keywords: chicken and quinoa bowl, one pan dinner, high protein, healthy weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, quick meals