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Savory Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

A delightful mix of juicy chicken, wholesome quinoa, and vibrant veggies topped with zesty pesto sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Grains
  • 1 cup quinoa Rinse prior to cooking.
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth Use chicken broth for added flavor.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts Season with salt and pepper.
  • 1/4 cup pesto sauce Store-bought or homemade.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds freshness.
  • 1 cup spinach Wilted with tomatoes.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to preference.
  • as needed Olive oil For cooking the chicken.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the quinoa under cool water in a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.
  3. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Combining and Serving
  1. In the same skillet, sauté the cherry tomatoes and spinach until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly blistered for about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Layer the quinoa at the bottom, then top with the sautéed veggies and sliced chicken.
  3. Drizzle pesto sauce generously over the top.
  4. Serve warm.

Notes

For a Halal-friendly option, substitute chicken with grilled turkey or tofu. Be sure to rinse the quinoa to ensure better flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to two months.