Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese
This easy Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese is quick, healthy and gluten free A perfect meal for busy weeknights that both kids and adults will love
This easy Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese is quick, healthy and gluten free A perfect meal for busy weeknights that both kids and adults will love
- 1/2 cup water
- salt/pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large egg white
- 1 1/4 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 lb chicken breasts (2 medium breasts)
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (divided)
- 1/2 cup extra-aged goat cheese (grated and divided*)
- sliced roasted red peppers (for garnish (from a j or i have a tutorial here))
- sliced fresh basil (for garnish)
- Carbohydrate 0.98984125 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.10130375 g
- Fiber 0.140587500452995 g
- Protein 1.94720625 g
- Saturated Fat 0.03131625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 People (191g)
- Sodium 107.620125002003 mg
- Sugar 0.849253749547005 g
- Trans Fat 0.03914875 g
- Calories 12 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and stir in 1/4 cup of the uncooked quinoa.
- Cover, turn the heat to low and cook until all the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
- Set aside to let the quinoa cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Set aside
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup of uncooked quinoa into a spice grinder (or a magic bullet!) and process until ground into a fine flour.
- Pour the quinoa flour into a large, shallow plate.
- Transfer the cooled, cooked quinoa into a large bowl and add in 1/4 cup of the grated Goat Cheese, the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Mix well and pour into a large, shallow plate.
- Pour the egg white into a large shallow plate.
- Dredge each breast into the quinoa flour, pressing to get it evenly coated.
- Then, transfer each breast into the egg white, also making sure to evenly coat it.
- Finally, transfer the breasts into the cooked quinoa/cheese mixture, really making sure to coat each side. You will really have to press the quinoa in to make it stick. You will probably have leftover quinoa flour and cooked quinoa!
- Place the breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake until lightly golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Turn your oven to high broil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheese on the chicken and broil until melted, only about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced roasted red pepper and basil and DEVOUR
Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese recipe has become a staple in our house. It's not only incredibly flavorful, but it's also gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a lighter meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The quinoa crust adds a delightful texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the tender chicken breasts perfectly. The addition of goat cheese provides a tangy contrast that elevates the dish to another level. I often use extra-aged goat cheese for its sharper, more pronounced taste, but you can certainly adjust this to your preference. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's equally delicious served with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bed of fluffy quinoa. The leftovers also make a great lunch the next day. I often pack them in my lunchbox for a satisfying and healthy meal at work.
The process of making this dish is surprisingly straightforward. The quinoa crust is easily prepared by grinding uncooked quinoa into a flour. This adds a beautiful texture and slightly nutty taste. The combination of the crunchy quinoa crust and the creamy goat cheese is simply irresistible. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
I usually prep most of the ingredients in advance. Grating the goat cheese and measuring out the spices beforehand saves valuable time during the weeknight rush. Once the chicken is coated and in the oven, I can focus on other tasks, knowing that a delicious and healthy dinner will soon be ready.
This Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It's a perfect example of how a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to big rewards.
I encourage you to try this recipe and let me know what you think. Feel free to share your own variations and adaptations. Happy cooking!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the quinoa crust for a little heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Cheese alternatives: Feta or Parmesan cheese can be used as substitutes for goat cheese.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad.
- Meal prep friendly: Prepare the quinoa crust and chicken ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy Quinoa Crusted Chicken with Goat Cheese recipe!
