Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken

There’s something truly comforting about a Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. This dish brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in a wholesome and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s not just food; it’s a celebration of health and flavor that will have your family gathering around the table with joy. Every bite is a reminder that healthy eating can also be delicious, making it an ideal addition to your meal rotation.

The heart of this bowl is packed with wholesome ingredients like fluffy quinoa, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables. With the addition of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and red onion, each scoop bursts with flavor. The creamy feta cheese and briny kalamata olives complete the dish, introducing a delightful depth of flavor. Each ingredient contributes to a flavor profile that is zesty, savory, and just a little bit tangy, creating an explosion of taste that is sure to please everyone from the youngest to the most senior of diners.

Preparing this Mediterranean delight is as easy as it is rewarding. You begin by rinsing the quinoa and simmering it in water or vegetable broth until fluffy. While that cooks, grill your seasoned chicken until it’s perfectly charred and juicy. Then, simply combine the cooked quinoa with the fresh veggies, olives, and feta. Top it all off with sliced chicken and freshly chopped parsley. In just five straightforward steps, you can have a colorful and nutritious meal on your table.

Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this dish is an all-around winner. It’s a great option for busy weeknights as well as leisurely weekends when you want something special without too much fuss. Serve it warm or chilled; it’s delicious either way. Give your family a taste of the Mediterranean with this fresh, vibrant, and fulfilling quinoa bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal.
• Comforting yet Light: Enjoy the delightful flavors without feeling weighed down, perfect for all ages.
• Versatile Meal: Great as a main dish, light lunch, or even for meal prep; it can be enjoyed any day of the week.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

Chicken Tips

When it comes to the chicken in this recipe, the choice of breast meat is paramount for a juicy outcome. Opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts if possible, as they tend to have better flavor and texture. Be careful not to overcook the chicken on the grill. The ideal internal temperature should be 165°F to keep the meat tender and juicy. Marinating the chicken in the olive oil and herbs mixture before grilling can also help enhance the flavors even further.

Options for Substitutions

• Quinoa: Substitute with couscous or farro if you prefer a different grain.
• Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a richer flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or any other mild oil you have on hand.
• Feta Cheese: Feel free to use goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free option.
• Vegetables: Experiment with bell peppers or spinach in place of cucumbers and tomatoes.
• Broth: Use chicken broth for more flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

When cooking quinoa, it’s crucial to rinse it well under cold water before cooking. This step removes the natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. If you skip this, you might find your quinoa less enjoyable and flavorful.

When grilling the chicken, avoid flipping it too frequently. Let it sear on one side before turning. This promotes a nice golden crust and keeps the juices in. Overcooked chicken can turn dry, so monitor the cooking time closely. A meat thermometer can help you achieve perfect results every time.

Lastly, when assembling the bowl, make sure to toss the quinoa and vegetables just enough to mix them without crushing the tomatoes or cucumbers. A gentle fold will keep the ingredients fresh and intact, making for a far more visually appealing dish.

What to Serve With Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken?

This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl pairs perfectly with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a light Greek salad. You can also serve it with warm pita bread and hummus for a more substantial meal. A refreshing yogurt sauce on the side complements the spices beautifully and adds creaminess to each bite.

Storage Instructions

Store: Leftover quinoa bowl can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: You can freeze the quinoa and grilled chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat: For stovetop reheating, place the quinoa and chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 800-900
Protein: 60-70g
Fat: 30-35g
Carbohydrates: 70-80g

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Quinoa

Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove the bitter saponin coating. In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Grilling

While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Brush this mixture over 2 chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly cooked (165°F internally). Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 diced red onion, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of sliced kalamata olives. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.

Step 5: Serve

To serve, divide the quinoa salad among plates and top each serving with slices of grilled chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before enjoying this vibrant and nutritious meal.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful way to incorporate health and flavor into your meals. With its array of colorful ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can easily bring the taste of the Mediterranean home. I invite you to try this recipe, share your thoughts, and explore similar dishes on our blog for more delicious cooking inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and chicken ahead of time. Just combine the ingredients and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

You can make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth for the quinoa.

How do I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

The recipe isn’t overly spicy, but you can adjust it by varying the amount of garlic powder or by adding a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

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