Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious meal option that’s quick to prepare? Look no further! Chicken and quinoa is a match made in heaven, and when combined with flavorful ingredients and spices, it becomes a culinary masterpiece. In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 easy and simple chicken and quinoa recipes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. From classic lemon garlic to spicy stir-fries, we’ve got you covered.
From one-pan wonders to stuffed peppers and casserole dishes, our collection of recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings while providing a boost of protein and fiber. Whether you’re a busy professional or a health-conscious foodie, these easy chicken and quinoa recipes are perfect for anyone looking for a quick and nutritious meal.
In the following pages, we’ll be diving into each of these mouth-watering dishes, complete with step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering photos. So go ahead, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Quinoa
This refreshing dish combines the brightness of lemon with the pungency of garlic, served atop a bed of nutty quinoa. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the garlic-lemon mixture evenly over both breasts.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
6. Serve chicken on top of quinoa and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Bake
A flavorful and nutritious meal that’s ready in under an hour! This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken, fluffy quinoa, and roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in the quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Chicken Quinoa Bowls
A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with spicy chicken, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and tangy slaw.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
4. Toss chicken with red bell pepper, onion, and broccoli on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble bowls by dividing quinoa, roasted chicken mixture, and slaw among four bowls.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken and Quinoa Salad
A flavorful and nutritious salad that combines the best of Mediterranean cuisine with the convenience of quinoa and chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– 15 minutes (includes cooking time for quinoa and chicken)
Creamy Coconut Chicken and Quinoa
This recipe combines the flavors of coconut, chicken, and quinoa for a delicious and nutritious meal. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
6. Stir in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Serve the chicken and quinoa together, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Chicken Quinoa Skillet
This hearty skillet dinner combines the flavors of BBQ chicken, quinoa, and roasted vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
6. Stir in BBQ sauce and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over quinoa and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek-Style Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the comfort of chicken and quinoa with the bright, zesty flavors of Greece.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix chicken, quinoa, feta, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Quinoa Pilaf
A rich and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of garlic butter chicken with the nutty goodness of quinoa pilaf.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
6. Fluff quinoa pilaf with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve chicken breasts on top of quinoa pilaf, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Quinoa Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry recipe that combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the savory taste of chicken, quinoa, and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers, garlic, and teriyaki sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Combine cooked quinoa with the stir-fry mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Quinoa Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the dry mixture.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked quinoa, peas and carrots, and chicken mixture.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Quinoa Soup with Vegetables
This comforting soup is a nutritious meal option that combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, and an array of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little oil until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add quinoa, vegetable broth, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Quinoa Bake
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot dish that combines the richness of pesto with the comfort of quinoa and chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, pesto, and chicken pieces.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and olive oil, and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowls
Experience the bold flavors of fajitas in a nutritious quinoa bowl, packed with grilled chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and creamy avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, salsa
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add onion and bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper to skillet; stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to skillet and stir to coat with the fajita mixture.
6. Serve quinoa bowls with grilled chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and diced avocado. Add optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
This vibrant salad combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the nutty flavor of quinoa, all wrapped up in a refreshing mix of greens and creamy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, celery, and red bell pepper.
2. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the buffalo sauce.
3. Add the mixed greens and toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes cooking quinoa and preparing ingredients)
Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your avocado game with this innovative recipe that combines the creaminess of avocado with the savory flavors of chicken, quinoa, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, quinoa, cheese, olive oil, and cumin until well combined.
4. Stuff each avocado half with the chicken-quinoa mixture, mounding it slightly.
5. Place the stuffed avocados on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Stew
This hearty, comforting stew is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. With quinoa adding a nutritious boost, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken, quinoa, chicken broth, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and cumin in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Chicken Quinoa Fried Rice
Transform leftover chicken and quinoa into a savory and satisfying fried rice dish. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the bold taste of cooked chicken, all wrapped up in a flavorful medley of vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 1 cup diced cooked chicken
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked chicken, quinoa, frozen vegetables, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes or until the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Quinoa
Sweet and tangy balsamic glaze pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of quinoa, creating a deliciously balanced dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and honey.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over each breast.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
6. Serve warm glazed chicken on top of quinoa.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Bake
A flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, this casserole-style recipe combines the comfort of quinoa with the bold flavors of chicken and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 can enchilada sauce (10 oz)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in enchilada sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Quinoa Skillet
A flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that combines the aroma of fresh herbs with juicy chicken and nutty quinoa.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the quinoa, water or broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender.
5. Add the chopped parsley and return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Looking for healthy and delicious recipes that combine chicken and quinoa? You’re in luck! This article shares 20 easy and simple recipes to try at home. From one-pan bakes to salads, stir-fries, and casseroles, there’s something for everyone. Discover flavors like lemon garlic, teriyaki, and buffalo chicken, all paired with nutritious quinoa. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or packing lunches for the week, these recipes are perfect for busy lives. Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these tasty and healthy chicken and quinoa dishes!
