Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? The Savory Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet is a feast for your taste buds and simple to make! Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, this one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how quick it comes together and the delicious leftovers! Dive in as I guide you through every step to create this delightful meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Spicy: This dish combines a variety of spices, including cumin and smoked paprika, creating a warm and robust flavor profile that excites the palate.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled black beans, and nutrient-dense quinoa, this skillet is a wholesome meal that satisfies.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup, as everything is prepared in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, making it versatile for everyone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Gather these ingredients to create a tasty Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet. The chicken provides protein, while quinoa adds a nutty flavor and texture. Black beans and corn bring in fiber and sweetness. The spices give it that classic southwest kick. Don’t forget the fresh garnishes; they add brightness and flavor to your dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 small diced red onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until you smell that yummy garlic aroma.
- Now, it’s time to add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet.
Cooking Process
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir the chicken occasionally until it turns golden and is cooked through.
- Stir in 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 2 cups of chicken broth.
- Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
Final Steps
- Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This lets the quinoa cook and soak up the broth.
- After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing the quinoa with a fork.
- Finally, garnish with sliced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Quinoa
Rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural coating, called saponin. This coating can taste bitter. To rinse, place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and run cold water over it for a minute. Swirl it around to ensure all grains get rinsed.
To check if quinoa is done, look for tiny spirals. These are called germ. Once the quinoa absorbs most of the liquid, it’s ready. It usually takes 15-20 minutes of simmering.
Flavor Enhancement Ideas
Adding spices can make your dish pop. Consider adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also elevate the taste.
For spice levels, you can adjust chili powder. If you like it hot, add more. If you want it mild, use less. Taste as you cook to find your perfect balance.
Presentation Tips
Garnishing makes your dish look appealing. Slice avocado and place it on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color. This not only adds beauty but also freshness.
When serving, place lime wedges on the side. This allows everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their dish. It adds a zesty finish that brightens the flavors.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh bell peppers and onions for the best flavor and texture.
- Quinoa Rinsing: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Customize Spices: Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; add more chili powder for extra kick!
Variations
Protein Options
You can change the protein in this dish. If you want something other than chicken, try turkey or shrimp. Both options will add great flavor. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu. Both provide protein and soak up the spices well.
Grain Substitutes
Quinoa is tasty, but you can swap it out. Brown rice or farro works well too. If you use brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes. For farro, cook it for about 25-30 minutes. Rinse quinoa before cooking. This helps remove its bitter taste.
Additional Flavor Variations
Adding different vegetables can change the taste. Try zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes. These veggies bring new colors and nutrients. You can also use different sauces. Salsa or barbecue sauce can add a fun twist. Experimenting with flavors can make this dish your own.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Allow the dish to cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use the microwave for quick warming. Place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Warm it over medium heat, stirring gently.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze leftovers for later meals. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air before sealing. Label the bags with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, adding moisture if needed.
FAQs
What is quinoa and its health benefits?
Quinoa is a tiny seed that cooks like a grain. It is packed with protein and fiber. One cup of cooked quinoa has about 8 grams of protein. It also has 5 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion. Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a great choice for many diets. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Eating quinoa can help with heart health and weight management. Adding quinoa to your meals can boost nutrition easily.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. You can also use a microwave. If you want to prepare ingredients in advance, chop the veggies and store them separately. This saves time on busy days.
What can I serve with Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet?
This dish is tasty on its own, but you can add sides. A simple green salad pairs well. You can also serve it with tortilla chips and salsa for crunch. For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. If you like something fruity, serve a mango or pineapple smoothie. These sides and drinks enhance the flavors of your meal. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite pairings!
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and cooking tips to ensure success. You can even tweak the recipe with different proteins and spices. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy, making this dish great for busy nights.
With its wholesome ingredients and robust flavors, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy your cooking adventure and feel proud of the meal you creat
Southwest Chicken Quinoa Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 piece avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- as needed lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.