Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa
Filling and flavorful, Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa is a 30-minute meal that’s family-friendly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights as well as meal prep.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 738kcal
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts * cut into bite size pieces
Beans and Corn
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 red pepper * diced small
- 1 15oz can black beans * drained
- 1 15oz can corn * drained
Toppings
- 1 avocado * diced
- 1/2 lime * cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup loosely pack cilantro leaves * chopped
Instructions
Quinoa
- Place the quinoa, water, and salt in a medium pot and bring to a boil.
- Cover and lower the heat to simmer until the water has evaporated and the quinoa is tender with the germ visible, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a spoon or fork.
Chicken
- Combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and half of the spice mixture.
- Cook until the chicken is done through and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Beans and Corn
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and the red pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender, then stir in the black beans, corn, and the remaining spice mixture.
- Cook another 3-4 minutes until heated through, then add the chicken back in and heat for another minute or two.
Toppings
- To serve, divide the quinoa among 4 plates or bowls and top with the chicken mixture.
- Garnish with diced avocado, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.
Video
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Wait until you are ready to serve before dicing the avocado, to help prevent browning.
- You can substitute frozen corn. You may need to cook it a minute or so longer.
- Store leftovers in air-tight containers in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 738kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1120mg | Potassium: 1872mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2858IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 7mg