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Healthy Chicken Pesto Quinoa Bowl


  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Healthy Chicken Pesto Quinoa Bowl recipe delivers a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It combines tender pesto-infused chicken with nutritious quinoa and fresh ingredients for a satisfying dish that is quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of the prepared basil pesto. Toss well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

    2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

    3. Cook the Pesto Chicken: While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pesto-coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

    4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among four serving bowls.

    5. Add Fresh Vegetables: Top each bowl with the cooked pesto chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.

    6. Dress and Garnish: Drizzle each bowl with fresh lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil pesto. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if desired, before serving.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: saute
    • Cuisine: mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl

    Keywords: chicken, pesto, quinoa, healthy, bowl, easy, meal prep, weeknight, mediterranean, fresh