These Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowls are perfect for your weekend meal prep. They’re not only packed with protein but also simple to make, delicious, and highly nutritious. Let’s dive into the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh spinach or mixed greens
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
- Olive oil (for grilling chicken and dressing)
- Fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
Chicken Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the middle. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among four meal prep containers. Top with sliced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh greens.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, mix olive oil and fresh lemon juice with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle over the bowls just before serving.
- Store: Keep the bowls in the refrigerator and enjoy throughout the week. If you prefer, you can store the dressing separately and add it just before eating.
These Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowls are a fantastic way to ensure you’re getting a high-protein, nutritious meal with minimal fuss. Plus, they’re versatile – feel free to swap out or add any vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Happy meal prepping!
