Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring golden chicken, nutty quinoa, and crisp-tender broccoli enhanced with citrus and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed well
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Brown the chicken for 3–4 minutes and then remove to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and lemon zest; cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), and the remaining salt and pepper. Toast the quinoa for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Return the chicken to the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12 minutes. Add the broccoli on top, re-cover, and cook another 5–7 minutes until quinoa is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the pot rest for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork, fold in parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Notes
For vegetarian option, swap chicken with firm tofu. For softer broccoli, add it earlier in the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 70mg