Cozy One-Pot Lemon Chicken Quinoa

A comforting one-pot dish that combines tender lemon-scented chicken and fluffy quinoa, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced chicken and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is evenly cooked by turning the pieces frequently.
2. 2.
   Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan with the chicken. Stir well to coat the quinoa with the olive oil and chicken juices, enhancing the nutty flavor of the quinoa. Ensure it's well mixed before proceeding to the next step.
3. 3.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. 4.
   Once the quinoa is cooked, add the lemon zest and half of the lemon juice. Stir well, allowing the steam to carry the lemon scent and flavor through the dish. The heat from the dish will meld the flavors, making the aroma pleasant and inviting.
5. 5.
   Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as desired. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to aerate and serve warm. If the dish is too dry, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. This simple touch elevates the texture and introduces a refreshing tang.