Ingredients
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect grilled chicken and veggie quinoa bowl:
Protein: Grilled Chicken
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best option for this recipe. They’re low in fat and high in protein, making them ideal for this bowl.
- Marinade: A simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices will infuse the chicken with flavor and ensure a tender, juicy result.
Base: Quinoa
- Quinoa: This versatile grain is high in protein and fiber, making it the perfect base for your bowl. It’s also naturally gluten-free and cooks quickly.
- Stock or broth: For extra flavor, you can cook your quinoa in vegetable or chicken stock instead of water.
Vegetables: Fresh and Colorful
- Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add a sweet, crisp texture and bright color.
- Zucchini: Grilled or roasted zucchini is soft, savory, and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and sweetness when grilled or roasted.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a leafy green component that’s packed with iron and vitamins.
- Avocado: For creaminess and healthy fats, add sliced avocado to top off the bowl.
Dressing and Garnishes
- Olive oil: For grilling and drizzling over your veggies and chicken.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a burst of freshness and balance out the richness of the dish.
- Herbs and spices: You can experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder, depending on your flavor preferences.
- Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, feta cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can all be wonderful additions to this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Grilled Chicken and Veggie Quinoa Bowl
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make this mouthwatering quinoa bowl! Don’t worry—it’s simple, and you’ll have this meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken breasts to ensure they’re full of flavor and tender. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the marinade, then cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
While your chicken is marinating, cook the quinoa:
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth (for extra flavor) or water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once done, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
While the quinoa is cooking, heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 4: Prepare the Veggies
For the veggies, you have a couple of options:
- Grilled: Slice your bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into thick strips or rings. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender and have those perfect grill marks.
- Roasted: Alternatively, you can roast the veggies in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to assemble your grilled chicken and veggie quinoa bowl:
- Start by placing a generous scoop of quinoa at the bottom of each bowl.
- Layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the quinoa.
- Add your grilled or roasted vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and spinach.
- For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with sliced avocado, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your grilled chicken and veggie quinoa bowl is now ready to be served! It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, and you’ll love how all the flavors come together in each bite.
