One-Pan Chicken & Quinoa Recipe

 One-Pan Chicken & Quinoa is a comforting, protein-packed dish that brings everything together in one skillet for an easy, flavorful meal. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a fragrant mix of garlic, vegetables, and fluffy quinoa that absorbs every bit of flavor. It’s a simple, healthy, and complete dinner — with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Quinoa and Broth:
   Stir in quinoa, chicken broth, tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

4. Simmer Everything:
   Return the chicken to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add Vegetables:
   Once quinoa is cooked, stir in diced bell pepper and chopped spinach. Let cook uncovered for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the spinach wilts.

6. Finish and Serve:
   Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm right from the pan.

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 380
Protein: 36g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g

Tips:
• Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove bitterness.
• For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of butter or grated Parmesan before serving.
• Swap spinach for kale or zucchini for variety.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or feta cheese on top for a flavorful kick.

This One-Pan Chicken & Quinoa dish is the perfect mix of hearty, healthy, and hassle-free — making it an ideal go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep.