Name: Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa; 2 cups water or chicken broth; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; lemon wedges for serving; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey; salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, satisfying meal that balances nutrition with big Mediterranean-inspired flavor, look no further than this Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe! With tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing, every bite is a celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a week of healthy lunches or wanting a dinner that will wow family and friends, this chicken quinoa bowl brings together fresh ingredients in the easiest, most delicious way possible.

Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easily these everyday ingredients come together to create something so colorful, lively, and nourishing. Each one plays a key role in bringing texture, flavor, and gorgeous presentation to this Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe.

Quinoa: The backbone of your bowl—this gluten-free grain cooks up fluffy and soaks in flavor beautifully.
Water or Chicken Broth: Cooking quinoa in broth adds a subtle savory depth; use water for a lighter touch.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein gets a flavor boost from simple spices!
Olive Oil: Helps seal in the juiciness of your chicken and forms the base of your tangy dressing.
Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that brings fragrant garlicky flavor in seconds.
Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth, rich color, and a gentle smoky note to the chicken.
Salt: Just enough to enhance every ingredient without overpowering.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little pep and brightness.
Cherry Tomatoes, Halved: Sweet, juicy, and the perfect pop of color.
Cucumber, Diced: Adds a cool crunch that contrasts the warmth of the chicken and quinoa.
Avocado, Sliced: Creamy texture and a mild buttery flavor round out the bowl.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Tangy, briny, and delicious—feta takes each bite up a notch.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the bowl and adds a fresh herbal aroma.
Lemon Wedges: A final squeeze over everything makes all the flavors pop.
For the Dressing – Olive Oil: Smooth and luscious, this forms your dressing’s base.
Lemon Juice: Provides the burst of acidity that ties everything together.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a peppery kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey: A drop of sweetness that balances out the tang.
Salt and Pepper: Season to your personal taste, just before dressing your bowl!

How to Make Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water; this little step gets rid of any bitterness. Combine it with water or chicken broth in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. Once all the liquid is absorbed, take it off the heat and fluff with a fork—so easy and it’s the perfect nutty base for your Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

While your quinoa is cooking, give your chicken breasts a generous rub with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Fire up the grill or heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s golden and juicy all the way through. Let it rest before slicing to keep all that flavor locked in. The smoky, spiced chicken is the shining star of this Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe!

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

Whisk up a quick dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, then whisk until smooth and slightly creamy. This bright dressing brings all the flavors in your bowl together—the lemon and mustard really wake up the palate.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Divide your fluffy quinoa into four bowls, then pile on the freshly sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Top it off with a generous drizzle of your homemade dressing and a shower of chopped parsley. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone brighten things up to taste. This step-by-step makes every Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe look straight out of a café!

How to Serve Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back with the final flourish! A dusting of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fragrance, while extra crumbled feta and freshly cracked black pepper bring out savory notes. And don’t forget those lemon wedges—encourage everyone to give their bowl a zesty squeeze right before eating. It brings all the flavors of your Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe to life!

Side Dishes

Since the bowl is already an all-in-one meal, simple side dishes work best. Think warm pita bread or a tray of roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling extra Mediterranean, a small bowl of olives or a crisp Greek salad complements the flavors beautifully. This keeps your meal balanced without overpowering the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Host a DIY Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe bar for friends or family, letting everyone customize with their favorite toppings like roasted red peppers or chickpeas. For meal-prep magic, layer ingredients in wide-mouth jars for grab-and-go lunches—just keep the dressing on the side. These bowls also look fabulous on a big serving platter for a buffet or potluck, letting guests build their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, good news: this Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe keeps beautifully. Store the chicken, quinoa, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and stash the dressing in a small jar. Everything will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days, maintaining flavor and texture for quick, wholesome lunches or dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and quinoa (skip freezing the veggies to preserve their crunch). Once cooled, package in airtight freezer bags or containers. These ingredients will last well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling your next bowl.

Reheating

When ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken and quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop—adding a splash of broth or water helps prevent dryness. Assemble the bowls with fresh toppings, and don’t forget to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything lively and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I swap out chicken for another protein?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, tofu, or even roasted chickpeas work surprisingly well in this Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe. Get creative and make this bowl your own, while still enjoying the same bright Mediterranean vibes.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Of course—just leave out the feta cheese or try a dairy-free alternative. The bowl is still packed with flavor from the herby dressing, avocado, and spiced chicken.

Can I use red or tri-color quinoa?

Yes! Red or tri-color quinoa adds extra pop to your Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe with slightly different textures and a nuttier flavor. Prepare them just as you would white quinoa for an eye-catching twist.

How can I meal prep these bowls for the week?

Cook your chicken and quinoa in advance, prep all veggies, and keep everything in separate containers. Add the avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess. Easy, healthy lunches are ready in minutes!

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

There are so many tasty options—try adding roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, baby spinach, or leftover grilled veggies! The Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe is all about building a bowl you’ll love with whatever’s in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Gather your favorite fresh ingredients and give this Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe a try—it’s simple enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for a dinner party, and always incredibly delicious. I hope it becomes a kitchen staple for you, just like it has in mine!

Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe is a wholesome and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, and an array of fresh vegetables come together in a Mediterranean-inspired bowl drizzled with a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bowl:

1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
lemon wedges for serving

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Rinse Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water (or broth) to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Cook Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or cook in a skillet until done. Slice and set aside.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Bowls: Divide quinoa into bowls. Top with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, feta. Drizzle with dressing, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve.