Quinoa Pilaf with Chicken and Vegetables (30 Minutes)

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This dish brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions, all mixed with fluffy quinoa. It’s a quick and wholesome option that’s both tasty and nutritious. No need for complicated cooking techniques or lengthy preparation – this recipe is all about easy and satisfying flavors!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove the bitter outer coating.
  2. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink and has a golden-brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until it’s translucent.
  6. Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they’re slightly tender.
  7. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and paprika. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  8. Gently fold in the diced tomatoes and cooked chicken into the skillet. Cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
  9. Once the quinoa is ready, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Give everything a good stir to combine.
  10. Season the pilaf with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve the quinoa pilaf hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Feel free to customize your quinoa pilaf by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even peas. To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s cooked through. Drizzle some lemon juice over the pilaf for a refreshing zing and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/quinoa-pilaf-with-chicken-and-vegetables-30-minutes/