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Flavor-Packed Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken

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A quick, healthy, and flavorful quinoa bowl featuring smoky grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Optional: avocado slices, feta cheese crumbles, or toasted nuts

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) quinoa under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups (475ml) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy with a slight bite.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  4. While quinoa cooks, pat dry 2 medium chicken breasts and brush lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  5. Season chicken evenly with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place chicken on grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  8. Chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 medium cucumber, 1 small red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup red onion. Toss together in a large bowl with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Add fluffed quinoa to the bowl with veggies. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
  11. Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top. Add optional avocado slices, feta, or nuts if desired.
  12. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Rinse quinoa thoroughly to avoid bitterness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly. Adjust lemon juice and sweetener in dressing to taste. Optional add-ins like avocado, feta, or nuts add texture and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, grilled chicken, healthy recipe, meal prep, easy dinner, gluten-free, high protein

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/flavor-packed-quinoa-bowl-with-grilled-chicken-easy-healthy-recipe-ideas/