One-Pot Quinoa Chicken Vegetables (Print)

Tender chicken, quinoa, veggies, and spinach simmered together for a nourishing, quick one-pot meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

→ Grains

02 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup baby spinach

→ Liquids

08 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional

14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
16 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

# How to Cook:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
02 - Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper over the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients in the spices.
05 - Incorporate rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Mix well to evenly distribute ingredients.
06 - Bring contents to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, until quinoa is tender and liquid absorbed.
07 - Stir in baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges on the side.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Every ingredient cooks together so cleanup is a breeze
  • Ready to eat in under an hour and needs only one pot
  • Great source of protein and fiber thanks to quinoa and chicken
  • Flexible for whatever vegetables are in the fridge
  • Bright fresh flavors are balanced with smoky spices
02 -
  • High in protein keeps you satisfied for hours
  • Quinoa is naturally gluten-free making this celiac-safe
  • Fits meal prepping easy to store and reheat
03 -
  • Rinse quinoa well before cooking This gets rid of bitterness and makes the dish nutty
  • Toast spices briefly with the veggies for an extra punch
  • Taste before serving Adjust salt lemon or herbs to your mood