Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Quinoa is a delicious and nutritious dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, its both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano, rubbing the spices into the chicken.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the rinsed quinoa and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or water).
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, tomatoes, and spinach. Gently fold to combine.
- Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Spoon the garlic butter chicken quinoa into bowls or onto plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally with crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes