Oh, let me tell you about my love for one pot meals! They’re like a warm hug after a long day, and this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa is no exception. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic butter, and I just knew this dish was going to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy quinoa is not only delicious but also so simple to whip up. You can have a wholesome, comforting meal on the table in no time, with minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups quinoa (rinsed under cold water)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter (melted)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a lovely depth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness and ensures your quinoa is extra fluffy.
- In a large pot, melt the garlic butter over medium heat. Trust me, the smell will make your mouth water!
- Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot and season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until it’s beautifully browned. You want that golden color to lock in the flavor!
- Once browned, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry; we’ll bring it back soon!
- Now, toss the rinsed quinoa into the same pot, stirring it for about a minute. This toasting step adds an incredible nutty flavor that you don’t want to skip.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil, stirring gently. Then, return the chicken to the pot, cover it with a lid, and reduce the heat to low.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the quinoa is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. If you want to check the chicken, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds a fresh touch that really brightens everything up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One pot means minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Deliciously rich garlic butter flavor that elevates simple ingredients.
- Nutritious and balanced, packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the quinoa.
- Customizable to your taste—feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To nail this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa, there are a few pro tips I swear by! First, make sure to rinse the quinoa well; it really helps eliminate any bitterness. When cooking the chicken, don’t rush the browning process—give it that lovely golden crust for maximum flavor. Also, if you want to amp up the taste, consider using homemade garlic butter; it’s a game changer! And remember, letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some seasonal veggies during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color!
Variations
One of the best things about this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa is how adaptable it is! If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini right before you return the chicken to the pot. For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or swap out the paprika for cayenne. You can also switch up the protein; diced tofu or chickpeas make a fantastic vegetarian option! And if you’re feeling fancy, why not add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for a zesty finish? The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to portion it out for easy reheating!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to avoid drying out, and heat over low until warmed through. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal like one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition. Here are the typical values you can expect for one serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is packed with protein and cooks perfectly in this dish, you can substitute it with rice or couscous. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust the liquid and cooking duration accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa in advance! Just store it in the fridge after it cools. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, and it’ll taste fantastic!
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal is hearty on its own, but if you want to elevate your dinner, consider serving it with a side salad or some roasted veggies. A slice of crusty bread can also be a lovely addition to soak up any extra garlic butter goodness!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken while it cooks. You could also experiment with spicy paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa as I am! It’s such a comforting dish that I know will quickly become a favorite in your home. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any fun twists you made! Cooking is all about experimenting and enjoying, so let’s connect and swap stories. Happy cooking!
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One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with garlic butter and quinoa in one pot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a large pot, melt the garlic butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the quinoa to the pot and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, use homemade garlic butter.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa, chicken recipes, quinoa recipes
