Herbed Chicken and Quinoa Energy Bowl

A simple yet fulfilling dish, featuring juicy chicken breast served atop hearty quinoa and fresh spinach. Perfect for health-conscious individuals seeking high-protein options.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the water and become fluffy. If the quinoa is still crunchy, add a tablespoon of water and continue to cook until it's tender. Fluff it with a fork once done.
2. 2.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken breast with salt. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through without being dry. If the chicken browns too quickly, reduce the heat to avoid burning.
3. 3.
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Meanwhile, add the spinach to the same skillet and sauté it briefly until it just wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Combine the cooked quinoa and wilted spinach in a bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken on top. You can drizzle a bit more olive oil if you like for extra flavor. The balance of textures between the fluffy quinoa, tender chicken, and wilted spinach is both satisfying and nutritious.
5. 5.
   Serve the dish warm right from the bowl. If you notice the quinoa is a bit too dry for your preference, you can mix in a tablespoon of water or broth. This meal is perfect for a high-protein diet, providing energy and keeping you full longer.