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Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa

Savory Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa for Busy Nights

Enjoy a quick and delicious Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa bowl that's gluten-free and perfect for the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup quinoa Rinse before cooking
  • 1 pound chicken Cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Mix-ins
  • 1 can black beans Drained
  • 1 cup corn Fresh or frozen
  • 1 medium red pepper Diced
For the Spices
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Use smoked for richer flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Freshly ground enhances flavor
For Garnishing
  • 1 cup cilantro Fresh, optional
  • 1 medium avocado Diced just before serving
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • medium pot
  • Large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Fork

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of quinoa, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff quinoa with a fork.
  2. In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and half of the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat.
  3. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté diced red pepper for 3-4 minutes. Stir in black beans and corn with remaining spice mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix with the veggie and bean combination for another 2-3 minutes. Serve the quinoa topped with the chicken mixture, garnished with avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa before cooking, adjust spices based on preference, and ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

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