BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

$To make BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls, you will need: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups chicken broth (or water) - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - Salt and pepper to taste - Lime wedges for serving Using fresh ingredients elevates the taste. Here are some tips: - Rinse the quinoa well. This removes bitter saponins. - Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. - Choose BBQ sauce that fits your taste. A sweet and tangy sauce works great. - Use ripe avocados. They add creaminess and flavor. - Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. Don't skip it! You can easily modify this recipe for different diets: - Swap quinoa for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. - Use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken for a vegetarian dish. - For gluten-free needs, check your BBQ sauce. Most are gluten-free, but some contain wheat. - If you're dairy-free, this recipe is already perfect as is! This information will help you gather the best ingredients for your BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls and ensure a tasty meal. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook quinoa, start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Rinsing helps remove any bitter taste. Next, place the rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of chicken broth or water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. While the quinoa cooks, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them. Use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. After cooking, brush both sides with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Now, let's sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper and 1 cup of corn. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper for flavor. This step adds vibrant colors and great texture to your BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls. If your quinoa is too sticky, you might need to rinse it better. Always rinse quinoa before cooking. This removes the bitter coating. If it’s too dry, add a bit more liquid during cooking. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa. Cook it longer on low heat to fix any undercooked grains. To boost the flavor of your BBQ chicken, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes. This adds depth. Try adding spices like smoked paprika for a smoky taste. You can also mix lime juice into the BBQ sauce for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro elevate the dish too. Cook a large batch of quinoa at once. Store extras in the fridge for up to a week. Grill or bake several chicken breasts in one go. Shred leftover chicken for easy meals later. Chop your veggies ahead of time to save time on busy nights. These steps make dinner quick and easy. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or overnight if possible. Cook Quinoa Perfectly: To enhance the flavor of the quinoa, toast it in the saucepan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes before adding the broth or water. Add Crunch: For added texture, consider topping your bowls with toasted nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap the red bell pepper and corn with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, or black beans, for a personal touch. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken for plant-based proteins. Try using chickpeas or black beans. These options add great texture and protein. You can also use tofu. Just marinate it in BBQ sauce for a tasty twist. If you're looking for other proteins, consider turkey or shrimp. Both work well with BBQ flavors. Cook them the same way as the chicken. They will absorb all the deliciousness of the sauce. Adding more veggies can enhance the dish. Consider including spinach, zucchini, or carrots. You can roast or sauté them for added flavor. More veggies not only boost nutrition but also add color. Mix and match to keep it fun and tasty! After your BBQ chicken quinoa bowls are made, let them cool down. Place your leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and your meal safe to eat. If you want to enjoy the bowls later, make sure to separate the chicken and veggies from the quinoa. They can mix together when stored. If you want to save your BBQ chicken quinoa bowls for later, freezing is great. First, let the bowls cool down completely. Then, pack them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Use a vacuum sealer if you have one. Label each bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat your leftovers, take them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw first. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, place the bowl in and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using the stove, heat on medium-low until warm. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can swap quinoa for other grains. Brown rice, farro, or barley work well. These grains add their own flavor and texture. Just adjust cooking times based on the grain you choose. For brown rice, cook it longer than quinoa. Always check the package for specific instructions. Absolutely! You can prepare the quinoa and chicken in advance. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the veggies and avocado separate to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, reheat the quinoa and chicken. Add fresh veggies right before serving. This makes for a quick and tasty meal later. Some great sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls. You can serve a simple green salad to add crunch. Grilled vegetables also add a nice touch. Cornbread or garlic bread can complement the flavors too. For a refreshing drink, try iced tea or lemonade. In this post, we explored the best ingredients for BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls. You learned how to cook quinoa and chicken perfectly. We also covered tips for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor. There are options for different diets and meal prep advice. Store leftovers correctly for future meals. Now you are ready to make a tasty dish that satisfies everyone. Enjoy your cooking!$

BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring quinoa, BBQ chicken, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 piece red bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 piece avocado, sliced
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
to taste salt and pepper
for serving lime wedges

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
While the quinoa is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Once the chicken is cooked, brush both sides with BBQ sauce and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly caramelized. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and corn. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it among four bowls. Top each bowl with sliced BBQ chicken, sautéed bell pepper, corn, and avocado slices.
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the tops of the bowls and add lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls to showcase the vibrant ingredients. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top for added flavor.

Keyword BBQ, bowl, chicken, healthy, quinoa