Effortless One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner: Healthy & Delicious Weeknight Meal
Are you searching for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy dinner that requires minimal cleanup? Look no further! This One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner is a culinary hero for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein, nutrient-rich quinoa, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, this skillet meal delivers on all fronts: taste, nutrition, and convenience. Forget piles of dishes; everything comes together beautifully in a single pan, making it a perfect solution for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
Chicken and Quinoa One-Pan Dinner
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Ingredients
Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is the first step to a truly memorable meal. For this one-pan delight, we focus on tender chicken thighs, wholesome quinoa, and aromatic vegetables to create a balanced and flavorful dish.
- 2 tbs olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 white onion, diced
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbs minced garlic
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal that will quickly become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process and minimal effort, making it ideal for any home cook.
- 1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Begin by patting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. Generously season both sides of the chicken with the dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a large, oven-safe sauté pan or cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot pan. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. The goal here is to develop a rich crust and lock in flavor, not to cook the chicken through completely. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a separate plate. It will finish cooking with the quinoa later.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Using the same pan (no need to clean it – those browned bits add incredible flavor!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced white onion and sliced white mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until they soften and the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and continue to sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- 3. Cook the Quinoa: Stir the rinsed quinoa into the sautéed vegetables, ensuring it’s well combined. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the quinoa is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This initial cooking phase allows the quinoa to absorb some liquid and start to soften, laying the groundwork for a perfectly cooked grain.
- 4. Combine and Finish Cooking: After 10 minutes, carefully lift the lid and nestle the partially cooked chicken thighs back into the pan, placing them on top of the quinoa and vegetables. Ensure the chicken is nestled in so it can steam and cook through. Re-cover the pan and continue to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed by the quinoa and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). The quinoa should be fluffy and tender. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the quinoa to fluff up perfectly. Enjoy this wholesome and satisfying one-pan dinner!
Tips for Success with Your One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa
Achieving a perfect one-pan meal is all about technique and a few helpful tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken and Quinoa Dinner is a resounding success every time:
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes the bitter saponin coating, ensuring a clean, pleasant taste. Simply place it in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for a minute or two until the water runs clear.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, ensure you don’t overcrowd your pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, steaming the ingredients instead of browning them. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as they remain incredibly moist and flavorful during the longer cooking time with the quinoa. If you opt for chicken breasts, consider cutting them into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Tightly Cover for Quinoa: A tight-fitting lid is essential for cooking quinoa. It traps the steam, allowing the quinoa to cook evenly and absorb all the liquid. If your lid isn’t snug, you can place a piece of aluminum foil over the pan before placing the lid on top.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allowing the dish to rest, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat helps the quinoa fully absorb any remaining liquid and become extra fluffy, while the flavors continue to meld.
Delicious Variations to Try
This One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables! Consider incorporating chopped bell peppers, zucchini, spinach (stir in at the very end), or even frozen peas (add during the last 5 minutes of cooking). Roast root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes separately for a different texture, or add them with the onions for a longer cook.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. A dash of cumin or coriander can also introduce a new depth of flavor.
- Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have rosemary, thyme or oregano would be excellent substitutes, or a combination of Italian herbs. Fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or cilantro, can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Cheesy Finish: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving can add a wonderful salty, tangy dimension.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten all the flavors.
- Broth Variations: While chicken broth provides a rich base, vegetable broth can be used for a slightly lighter flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pan meal is a complete meal on its own, offering protein, grains, and vegetables. However, if you’re looking to expand your dinner, here are a few simple serving suggestions:
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing complement.
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices.
- Yogurt Dip: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a tzatziki-style dip can add a cool, creamy contrast.
Storage and Meal Prep
This One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner is fantastic for meal prepping! It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or warm gently in a covered skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It’s provided for general guidance.