Chicken Quinoa Bowls

This healthy make-ahead chicken burrito bowl is filled with protein-rich quinoa, creamy avocado, pico de gallo and pickled onions. The ultimate high protein, gluten free lunch or dinner recipe. 

Leftovers can be a touchy subject. Some people love them while others refuse to eat them. My secret? Repurpose them!

These Mexican-inspired chicken quinoa bowls came about recently when I had leftover quinoa sitting in the fridge along with several ripe avocados that weren’t going to make it very long.

For added protein, I seasoned chicken breasts cubes with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne before sautéing it until golden brown in a little olive oil. If you’re stretched for time, shredded rotisserie chicken works like a charm.

For a boost of freshness and a little welcomed acidity to balance the creamy avocado, I top each bowl with a big scoop of pico de gallo and a couple tablespoons of pickled onions.

The end result? A perfectly balanced, nutrient-dense, flavor packed meal in a bowl.

Your fork is waiting.

5 from 1 vote

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Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

This healthy make-ahead chicken burrito bowl is filled with protein-rich quinoa, avocado, pico de gallo and pickled onions. The ultimate high protein, gluten free lunch or dinner recipe. 

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main

Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex

Servings: 4

Calories: 465 kcal

Author: Liz DellaCroce

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa prepared according to package instructions
• 2 avocados pitted and sliced
• 4 servings pico de gallo

Pickled Red Onions

• 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mexican Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 20 ounces chicken breasts boneless and skinless cubed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne optional

Instructions

1. To prepare the pickled onions, place onions, lime juice and salt in a bowl and toss well. Let sit for 15 minutes or longer; set aside until you're ready to assemble bowls.

2. Meanwhile, place the chicken cubes in a medium bowl and season with all of the spices (cumin through cayenne.) Toss well to coat evenly.

3. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until cooked through and slightly browned, about 7-9 minutes; set aside until you're ready to assemble bowls. 

4. To assemble bowls, divide cooked quinoa evenly between four dishes. Top with equal parts of the sautéd chicken, avocado slices, pico de gallo and pickled onions. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.

Recipe Notes

Can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. 

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 465 Calories from Fat 167

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 18.5g 28%

Saturated Fat 1.9g 10%

Monounsaturated Fat 16.6g

Cholesterol 75mg 25%

Sodium 880mg 37%

Total Carbohydrates 42.5g 14%

Dietary Fiber 8.1g 32%

Sugars 2.9g

Protein 37.7g 75%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Photography by Alejandro Photography // Recipe by The Lemon Bowl

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