The idea that healthy food has to be bland and tasteless is long gone. For those who are health-conscious or trying to maintain a balanced diet, 'Quinoa' has become a go-to superfood. However, preparing a separate healthy meal every day amidst our busy schedules can be quite a hassle. That’s why today, I am sharing a recipe that requires only a single pot to make— One Pot Chicken Quinoa.
This dish is not only packed with protein and fiber, but it is also incredibly easy to prepare. Let's find out how to whip up this healthy meal in no time.
Why You Should Eat Chicken and Quinoa
Quinoa is one of the best sources of plant-based protein and is one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. By adding chicken breast to it, you elevate this dish into a fantastic high-protein meal. Furthermore, the lentils and vegetables included in this recipe provide a hefty dose of dietary fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer and supports healthy weight loss.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before we start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Onion: 1 (chopped)
Carrots: 2 (diced)
Chicken Breast: 500g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
Paprika and Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon each
Green Peas: A handful
Quinoa: 1.5 cups (rinsed thoroughly) (Insert Affiliate Link Here: Your favorite organic quinoa brand)
Green Lentils: 1/2 cup
Water or Chicken Broth: 4 cups
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
You can easily prepare this in your favorite cooking pot (Insert Affiliate Link Here: Non-stick cookware) in just a few simple steps:
Sauté the Vegetables: First, heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and diced carrots, and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they become tender.
Add the Chicken: Once the onions are soft, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
Season the Dish: Now, add salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin powder. Stir everything together so the chicken and veggies are well coated with the spices.
Mix in Quinoa and Lentils: When you can smell the beautiful aroma of the spices, add the green peas, rinsed quinoa, and green lentils to the pot.
Simmer and Cook: Pour in the 4 cups of water (or broth). Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork. Your incredibly delicious and healthy One Pot Chicken Quinoa is ready!
Final Thoughts
Add this tasty dish to your diet plan today, and don't forget to comment below to let us know how it turned out!