Quinoa chicken burrito bowls are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—healthy, delicious, and oh-so-versatile! I love how you can customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making them a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also brimming with nutrients, thanks to the protein-rich quinoa and chicken. Plus, it comes together in just about 45 minutes, which is a total win in my book! Trust me, once you try these quinoa chicken burrito bowls, they’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. You’ll be savoring every bite while feeling good about what you’re eating. Let’s dive into making this wholesome delight!
Ingredients for Quinoa Chicken Burrito Bowls
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to whip up your quinoa chicken burrito bowls. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is! Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup quinoa: Rinsed well to remove any bitterness.
- 2 cups water: To cook the quinoa perfectly.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: For a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: To bring a mild kick to your dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 cup black beans: Cooked and drained, they add protein and fiber.
- 1 cup corn: Cooked, sweet corn for that pop of sweetness.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, for that juicy burst.
- 1 avocado: Sliced, for a creamy topping that’s irresistible.
- 1 lime: Juiced, to brighten up all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
With these ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a delicious, healthy meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Quinoa Chicken Burrito Bowls
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! I promise, making these quinoa chicken burrito bowls is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a colorful, flavor-packed meal ready in no time!
Rinse and Cook the Quinoa
First things first, you’ll want to rinse the quinoa under cold water. This step is super important because it helps remove the saponins, which can leave a bitter taste. Just grab a fine-mesh strainer, rinse it thoroughly, and give it a good shake to drain. Now, in a medium-sized pot, combine your rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside!
Prepare the Chicken
While the quinoa is cooking, let’s focus on the chicken. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in your diced chicken breast. Season it with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. If you’re unsure if it’s done, just cut into a piece; it should be white all the way through. Once cooked, remove it from the heat!
Assemble the Burrito Bowls
Now comes the fun part—assembly! In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire mixture and give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors. Finally, serve it up in individual bowls and top each one with creamy avocado slices. It’s vibrant, it’s delicious, and it’s ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These quinoa chicken burrito bowls are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and health! Here’s why I’m absolutely in love with this recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from quinoa and chicken, plus fiber from beans and veggies, this bowl is a nutritional powerhouse.
- Flavor Explosion: With spices like cumin and chili powder, each bite is bursting with bold flavors that dance on your palate.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients—add your favorite veggies, or top it with cheese or sour cream for extra indulgence!
- One-Bowl Wonder: Everything you need for a satisfying meal is in one bowl, which means less mess and more enjoyment!
Trust me, once you try these bowls, you’ll be craving them again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your quinoa chicken burrito bowls turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First off, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa—this step is crucial to avoid that bitter taste. If you find your quinoa a bit mushy, it might have been overcooked or too much water added, so keep an eye on that cooking time!
For the chicken, ensure it’s cut into even-sized pieces so it cooks uniformly. If you’re a fan of extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for a bit before cooking; it really amps up the taste! Also, feel free to get creative with toppings—adding fresh cilantro, salsa, or even pickled onions can elevate your dish to the next level.
Lastly, if you’re meal prepping, store the components separately to keep everything fresh and tasty. Mix them together just before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Nutritional Information for Quinoa Chicken Burrito Bowls
These quinoa chicken burrito bowls are not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your healthy and satisfying meal!
FAQ About Quinoa Chicken Burrito Bowls
Got questions about these quinoa chicken burrito bowls? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones I hear:
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great substitute if you prefer it over quinoa. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Easy peasy! Just skip the chicken and add extra beans, or toss in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty meal.
Can I meal prep these bowls?
Yes! They’re perfect for meal prep. Just store the components separately to keep everything fresh, and mix them together when you’re ready to eat.
What toppings do you recommend?
I love topping mine with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese. Feel free to get creative!
Hope that answers your questions and gets you excited to make these delicious bowls!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your quinoa chicken burrito bowls is super simple, and it helps keep everything fresh for those busy days ahead! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner later in the week.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the microwave for quick and easy warming. Just add a splash of water to help keep the quinoa moist, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat in short bursts until warmed through. If you prefer stovetop, you can reheat everything in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method really helps maintain the texture and flavor! Just be careful not to overheat, or your chicken may dry out. Enjoy your delicious bowls again!
Print
Quinoa Chicken Burrito Bowls: 5 Ways to Love This Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A healthy and delicious quinoa chicken burrito bowl packed with flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken until it is no longer pink.
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir.
- Top with avocado slices before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Can add cheese or sour cream as toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Quinoa Chicken Burrito Bowls