Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This grilled chicken quinoa bowl is great for those busy nights when you want a healthy meal but don’t have much time to cook from scratch. It’s essentially a one-bowl meal that’s packed with flavor!
Customizable and Nutritious. This bowl can easily be adapted to include your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile option. The combination of quinoa and chicken offers a power-packed source of nutrients!

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that serves as the base of the bowl. Choose either white, red, or tri-color quinoa for added texture.
Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast, grilled to perfection adds a lean protein source. Feel free to marinate it beforehand for extra flavor.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. You can use a mix of red, yellow, and green for visual appeal.
Cucumber: Chopped cucumber provides a refreshing crunch to the bowl.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy cherry tomatoes offer a burst of flavor and color.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and richness to the bowl.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice ties all the flavors together and adds a zesty finish.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and healthy fats.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for elevating the flavors of the ingredients.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing it and then boiling it in water for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Allow it to cool while you prepare the chicken.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any desired spices or marinades. Grill them over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken cooks, chop the bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Cut the grilled chicken into strips once it’s done resting.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, grilled chicken strips, chopped veggies, and diced avocado.
Toss the ingredients gently, then drizzle with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the grilled chicken quinoa bowl in individual bowls or as a large bowl for sharing, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired.

Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Marinate Your Chicken: For extra flavor, consider marinating your chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and your favorite spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand; zucchini, corn, or spinach would also work beautifully.
Make It Ahead of Time: This quinoa bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the quinoa and chicken in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Cook the quinoa and chicken ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Chop your vegetables and prepare the dressing ahead of time, keeping them in sealed containers to maintain freshness.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this grilled chicken quinoa bowl, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the quinoa and chicken in a microwave or enjoy cold as a salad.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl

The quinoa and chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are in airtight containers.
Vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers do not freeze well, so add those fresh when serving.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl

For best results, reheat the quinoa and chicken in a microwave until heated through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I use different grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, feel free to substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or bulgur for a different flavor and texture.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is best for grilling, but you can also use chicken thighs for more flavor.

Can I prepare this bowl as a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.

How long does cooked quinoa last in the fridge?

Cooked quinoa will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

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