Easy Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Bowl – Healthy and Tasty in 30 Minutes.

Introduction.

You must have seen so many beautiful cereal bowls on Instagram. You must have thought that it would take a lot of time and effort to make such a perfect looking meal, have you tried to make such a meal at home? To be honest, you can make such a meal very easily at home. 

Recently, I was in need of a healthy meal that would fill my stomach. That's when I made this grilled chicken and quinoa bowl. I was so tired of small, boring salads. Then after some experimentation, I came up with this perfect recipe. Now it has become my favorite and healthy meal.

This recipe is a simple and delicious recipe. You don't need many ingredients or special kitchen tools for this meal. This recipe is a few simple steps. Try this recipe this weekend and see the magic.

(Photo by kei photo: Pexels)

Ingredients.

For the Chicken :

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 table spoons olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon.

For the Quinoa :

• 1 cup quinoa. (any color works)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. (or water if you prefer)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.

For the Bowl :

• 2 cups mixed greens or spinach.
• 1 large cucumber, diced.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced.
• 1/2 avocado, sliced. 
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.

Kitchen Tools Required.

• Grill pan or outdoor grill.
• Medium saucepan with lid.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Sharp knife.
• Cutting board.
• Meat thermometer.
• Fine mesh strainer.

(Image generated using Whisk AI)

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl.

Step 1: Start by washing your quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step is crucial – trust me on this one. It eliminates the bitter husk that makes quinoa, um, kind of strange if you don't do it.

Step 2: Pour the chicken broth or water into your pot and heat until it boils well. Then add the washed quinoa and salt. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid frequently. Once cooked to the desired consistency, remove from the heat. Then cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Finally, fluff it with a fork.

Step 3: Now, let's prepare that chicken while the quinoa does its magic. Pat dry the chicken breasts using paper towels – this ensures they get a good sear. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to marinate if you have time.

Step 4: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat (or fire up that outdoor grill if you're feeling brave). Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The time will depend on how thick your chicken breasts were, so don't worry if yours takes just a minute or so longer.

Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will prevent the delicious juices from leaking out and keep the meat flavorful.

Step 6: Now let's prepare the vegetables as needed. Slice the cucumber thinly, cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters. Prepare the avocado as you like. Slice the red onion as thinly as possible.

Step 7: Now it's time to assemble everything. First, place your cooked quinoa in the bottom of your serving bowls. Then add the salad mixture and top with the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and avocado. Finally, slice your cooked chicken into beautiful pieces and place on top of the vegetables.

Step 8: Now let's make the dressing. Take a small bowl and mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Now drizzle the mixture over the serving dish. If you want to make this even more delicious, you can add feta cheese and fresh herbs.

(Photo by aly on Unsplash)

Cooking Tips.

Tip 1: Don’t Skip Chicken Resting Time! I know, you’re hangry, but I promise those few extra minutes of waiting for your chicken makes a world of difference as to whether your chicken turns out juicy or overcooked.

Tip 2: Also, while you’re already at it, make extra quinoa! Seriously, once it’s cooked, it’ll keep well in the fridge for 5 days and you can use it for quick weekday meals.

Tip 3 : If you chicken breasts are super thick say, over an inch try pounding them to an even thickness or splitting them to butterfly. This will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and you do not end up with a perfectly-cooked outside but raw inside.

Reasons to Try This  Recipe.

This bowl needs a quality meal. Grilled chicken is a great source of protein, and quinoa has a great flavor that will keep you full without feeling heavy. It tastes better than it looks.

You can adjust this recipe to suit what you have on hand. If you don't have cucumbers, you can use bell peppers instead, if you don't like feta cheese, you can use goat cheese instead. Otherwise, you can leave it out. This recipe works well with most ingredients you have in your kitchen.

Best of all, it can be made in about 30 minutes. That means you can whip up a healthy meal on a weekday without a lot of work and in a short amount of time.

Healthier Swaps.

Swap 1: If you want to cut down on carbs, or are following a keto diet, you can use cauliflower rice instead of quinoa. Cook the cauliflower rice for a few minutes until it becomes soft.

Swap 2: Use Greek yogurt mixed with herbed parsley instead of olive oil and balsamic. That way you can get the extra benefit.

Swap 3: If you want to make this a vegetarian meal, swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

✅Advantage of Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl.

This recipe is incredibly quick and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You don’t have to spend much of that time actively cooking. And you don’t have to stand at the stove or do any complicated tasks.

This recipe is also a great way to save money. You can save money by buying chicken on sale, and while chicken is a bit pricey, it’s packed with protein and fiber.

Anyone who tries this is sure to be happy. I’ve even given this recipe to health-conscious people and they’ve all asked for it. It’s filling and light enough for a big meal.

• (Quinoa is considered a superfood because it’s rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Learn more about the health benefits of quinoa )

❌Disadvantages of Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl.

Let's be honest. If you're a fan of foods like mac and cheese or pizza, this recipe is not for you. It's a healthy and satisfying meal. But it's not a fancy meal.

This recipe does require some effort to prepare. You'll also have to do some chopping and slicing. It can feel like a lot of work if you're tired.

Be sure to wash the quinoa. If you don't wash it, it will give off a bitter taste. It's a simple step, but it's very important to get the best taste in the end.

Conclusion.

This grilled chicken and quinoa casserole has honestly become one of my favorite meals. Try this recipe whenever you feel like having a delicious and healthy meal. I am sure you will love this recipe!

FAQs.

1. Question: Can I make these bowls in advance?

• Answer: Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and quinoa and refrigerate. It's best to keep everything else separately until you're ready to eat. Add the dressing and avocado just before serving. Follow these steps to keep them fresh and delicious.

2. Question: I don't have a grill pan, is there an alternative?

• Answer: Yes, absolutely! You can use a regular pan and cook the chicken on your stove. Otherwise, use an air fryer at 375°F for about 12 minutes.

3. Question: Can I make this recipe without using milk?

• Answer: Absolutely. The only thing you need to do is skip the feta cheese. You can use dairy-free cheese instead if you prefer.

4. Question: How long can this be refrigerated after making?

• Answer: It can be refrigerated for 2-3 days with good freshness. Keep the dressing separate. Add it only when you are ready to eat. The avocado will turn brown when storing this Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl. So you will have to add fresh avocado every time.