One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa
Try this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 bay leaves
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp cumin ground
- 3 cups boiling water
- 2 medium onions diced
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa uncooked
- 1 tsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 tsp himalayan pink salt
- 1 lb broccoli chopped
- 3/4 tsp himalayan pink salt
- 2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts cut into 1†pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin*
- 1/2 tsp all spice (optional but good)
- 1 large carrot shredded
- Carbohydrate 62.6336765471908 g
- Cholesterol 526.1671492 mg
- Fat 18.4394672179511 g
- Fiber 18.3137469044152 g
- Protein 226.437142456069 g
- Saturated Fat 3.98013583844976 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2722g)
- Sodium 270492.215951328 mg
- Sugar 44.3199296427755 g
- Trans Fat 4.6203225991412 g
- Calories 1336 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat large deep skillet or a dutch oven on medium-high heat.
- Add Chicken ingredients and saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain liquid if necessary and cook until golden brown sides appear.
- Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add olive oil, onions, garlic, carrot and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add pre-cooked chicken, quinoa, water, remaining salt and cumin, and bay leaves; stir.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.
- Now it's time to add broccoli. At this point quinoa should be cooked al dente.
- Add broccoli, stir, cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot.
One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of one-pot meals – they're quick, easy, and minimize cleanup, allowing me more time to focus on the things that matter most. This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa recipe is a perfect example. It's a complete meal packed with protein, fiber, and healthy nutrients, all cooked in a single pot. The best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes!
The secret to this recipe's speed and convenience lies in its simplicity. We start by quickly sautéing the chicken to get a nice golden brown crust. Then, we add all the other ingredients – onions, garlic, carrots, quinoa, broth, and spices – directly into the pot. The quinoa cooks perfectly in the broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Finally, we add the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring it's tender-crisp and vibrant green. The result is a flavorful, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking. A dash of chili flakes would add a nice kick, while a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
I often make a big batch of this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy lunches during the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next day. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and a healthy, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. It's proof that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious dinner that's ready in a flash. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think! I'm confident it will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Boost the veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end for a creamier texture.
- Use different grains: Substitute the quinoa with brown rice or farro for a different texture and flavor.
This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, efficient cooking. It's a perfect example of how to create a healthy and delicious meal without sacrificing precious time. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of efficiency and family-friendly food, making it a true weeknight winner.
