Oh, the joy of a dish that brings together the heartiness of chicken and the wholesome goodness of quinoa, all wrapped up in a burrito bowl — it’s like a fiesta of flavors dancing on your palate. A meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious, these bowls are perfect for those nights when you crave something both comforting and healthy. Remember last year when everyone was trying out sourdough? Well, this is my new kitchen obsession — packed with protein and bursting with vibrant colors.
Steps
- Spread cooked quinoa evenly across the bottom of two bowls. Distribute the chicken, sautéed vegetables, corn salsa, and guacamole over the quinoa. Finish by sprinkling each bowl with crumbled cheese and garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
- Coat each chicken breast thoroughly on both sides with taco seasoning. Heat oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for roughly 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Using the same pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell pepper and red onion, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat once the veggies are tender.
- In a bowl, combine drained corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 4 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 small red bell pepper, stem and core removed, thinly sliced
- Half of a small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ? cup guacamole
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- Lime wedges for serving
FAQ
- Can I substitute quinoa with another grain in the Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowls?
- Yes, you can replace quinoa with other grains such as farro or classic rice. However, using quinoa adds extra protein and keeps the dish naturally gluten-free.
- How do I make the taco-seasoned chicken for the burrito bowls?
- To prepare the taco-seasoned chicken, rub 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning evenly on both sides of each chicken breast. Cook in a medium sauté pan with heated olive oil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side, until thoroughly cooked. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into cubes.
- What vegetables are used in the sautéed veggies for this recipe?
- The sautéed veggies include a small red bell pepper and half of a small red onion, both thinly sliced. Sauté them in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- How do I prepare the corn salsa for the burrito bowls?
- To make the corn salsa, mix together a drained 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn, ¼ cup of finely diced red onion, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice until well combined.
- Can I customize the Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowls with other ingredients?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients such as salsa or a drizzle of sour cream to customize the burrito bowls to your taste.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor of your quinoa by cooking it in chicken stock instead of water. This adds a savory depth to your burrito bowls.
- Customize your burrito bowl with additional toppings like salsa or a drizzle of sour cream to suit your taste preferences.
- Allow your cooked chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting it into cubes. This helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
- If you prefer a different grain, consider using farro or traditional rice in place of quinoa for a unique twist while preparing your burrito bowls.
Equipment
- Saute Pan – A good quality medium-sized saute pan for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board for preparing vegetables and chicken.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp chef’s knife for slicing and dicing ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Spoons – Accurate measuring spoons for measuring taco seasoning and other ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls for combining ingredients like corn salsa and guacamole.
