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; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Wellness Table

I love preparing wholesome meals that are both nutritious and delicious, and this Healthy Dinner Chicken And Quinoa Bowl checks all the boxes. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant vegetables makes for a truly satisfying dish. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to whatever ingredients I have on hand. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this bowl brings together flavors that I absolutely crave while still providing a boost of protein and fiber. It’s definitely a recipe my family enjoys!

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:13:34.989Z

When I first made this chicken and quinoa bowl, I was immediately captivated by how fresh and vibrant the ingredients looked. I decided to marinate the chicken in a blend of herbs and lemon juice, which elevated the flavors beautifully. Cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water added a depth that made each bite delightful.

One of my favorite techniques is to quickly sauté the veggies in the leftover marinade for a touch of crispness. The explosion of colors and textures not only makes the dish more appealing but also enhances the overall flavor experience. It’s my go-to for a healthy dinner that leaves everyone requesting seconds!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Balanced flavors from herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables
Wholesome, high-protein meal that's ready in under 40 minutes
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins

The Role of Quinoa

Quinoa serves as the nourishing base of this bowl, packing a powerful punch of protein and fiber. When you rinse quinoa before cooking, it removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can have a bitter taste. This key step results in a fluffier grain with a pleasant nuttiness that complements the chicken and vegetables wonderfully. Aim for a perfect ratio of 1 part quinoa to 2 parts broth for optimal texture, ensuring that the quinoa cooks evenly and absorbs all those savory flavors.

To enhance the flavor of your quinoa even further, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding herbs such as bay leaves or thyme during cooking. Once the quinoa is done, it’s important to let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This resting time allows the grains to firm up, preventing a mushy consistency—which can often happen if you skip this step.

Perfectly Marinated Chicken

Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also keeps it tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. A good marinade, like the one in this recipe with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, helps to break down the protein fibers, which is especially important when using chicken breast. Make sure to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time to spare, letting it sit for up to an hour in the refrigerator can intensify the flavor even more.

When cooking the marinated chicken, ensure your skillet is hot enough for a good sear. This is what will give the chicken that delightful golden-brown color and crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist. If you find that the chicken is cooking too quickly and the vegetables are not yet tender, reduce the heat slightly to allow everything to finish cooking at the same time.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a nourishing bowl.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready for a seamless cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Healthy Dinner Chicken And Quinoa Bowl.

Cook Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.

Prepare Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add diced chicken and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add bell pepper and zucchini, sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

Cook Chicken

In the same pan, push the vegetables to one side and add the marinated chicken. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Assemble the Bowl

Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide into bowls. Top with chicken and sautéed vegetables, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Your delicious, healthy dinner is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on the season or what you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or even spinach work wonderfully. For added flavor, try incorporating your favorite spices like cumin or paprika into the chicken marinade.

Vegetable Variations

This Healthy Dinner Chicken and Quinoa Bowl is incredibly adaptable when it comes to vegetables. Don't hesitate to substitute or add any of your favorites like spinach, broccoli, or snap peas. Just remember that different vegetables have varying cooking times; for instance, hearty veggies like carrots will need longer to sauté compared to quicker-cooking bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. If you’re using frozen vegetables, throw them into the skillet directly from the freezer to keep your dish fresh and vibrant in color.

For an added layer of flavor, consider roasting your vegetables instead of sautéing them. Roasting at 400°F for about 20 minutes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely caramelization that can elevate the entire dish. You could also toss them in a bit of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of cheese to add depth.

Storage and Meal Prep

If you're looking to meal prep, this quinoa bowl is a great candidate as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When preparing for the week ahead, keep the components separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the freshness of each ingredient. Store the quinoa, chicken, and vegetables in airtight containers for ease of access during busy weeknights.

Reheating is straightforward. You can use the microwave or a stovetop skillet; just add a splash of water to the skillet to prevent drying out. If you're planning to freeze portions, keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing. To combat this, consider slightly undercooking them before freezing so they retain some crunch when you reheat the bowl.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, brown rice can be used instead of quinoa, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well in meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.