Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious? Say hello to our Chicken Verde Quinoa Bowls! Bursting with bold Mexican flavors and packed with wholesome ingredients, this gluten-free recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a colorful and delicious bowl that will leave you craving more. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a healthy, mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 jar salsa verde
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken is cooking, rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Then slice or shred the chicken using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to skillet and pour salsa verde over the meat. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Drain and rinse black beans, then warm them in a separate small pan or microwave.
- To assemble bowls, divide quinoa evenly among four serving bowls. Top with salsa verde chicken and black beans.
- Slice avocado and place on top of each bowl. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are warm, optionally with additional salsa verde on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider prepping your ingredients in advance. You can marinate the chicken in salsa verde the night before for an extra flavor boost!
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter. This simple step will ensure your quinoa is fluffy and delicious.
- Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to add your favorite toppings! Chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate your Chicken Verde Quinoa Bowls even further.
- Rest the Chicken: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
- Salsa Verde Variations: Experiment with different brands or homemade salsa verde for unique flavor profiles. Some variations may be spicier or have a more robust taste, so choose what suits your palate!
- Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
