High Protein Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water or chicken broth; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy Creations Studio

I absolutely love creating wholesome meals that not only fuel my body but also tantalize my taste buds. This High Protein Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a perfect example of such a recipe. Combining tender chicken, nutritious quinoa, and fresh veggies, it’s both energizing and delicious. I often prepare this bowl as a quick dinner option or as a meal prep idea for my busy week ahead. With vibrant colors and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:53:35.845Z

When I first tried making quinoa bowls, I was amazed at how versatile they can be. It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures, and I've found that marinating the chicken enhances its taste significantly. This has become my go-to recipe, especially when I want something satisfying and nutritious in under 40 minutes.

One of my favorite tips is to roast the vegetables separately with a touch of olive oil and herbs. It really elevates the dish, adding depth and making each bite enjoyable. Trust me, this bowl will not disappoint!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
High protein content to keep you energized.
Nutritious and colorful ingredients for a healthy meal.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

Cooking the Perfect Quinoa

Cooking quinoa may seem straightforward, but achieving the perfect fluffy texture requires attention to detail. Rinse the quinoa under cold water for about 2 minutes before cooking to remove the natural saponins that can impart a bitter taste. When combined with water or chicken broth, bring to a vigorous boil before reducing the heat. A gentle simmer for about 15 minutes will cause the quinoa to absorb the liquid completely and develop a slight puff. Look for tiny tails that spiral out from each grain, indicating it's done.

When it comes to flavor infusion, using chicken broth instead of water can elevate the dish significantly. The added depth from the broth can enhance the overall taste of the quinoa, making it a savory foundation for your bowl. If you want to boost the nutritional profile even further, consider adding aromatics like chopped onion or garlic while cooking the quinoa for a fragrant kick.

Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

To ensure your diced chicken breast is moist and flavorful, season it generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper before cooking. The garlic powder provides aromatic undertones, while paprika adds both color and a subtle smokiness. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat; this temperature is key for achieving a nice sear while keeping the interior juicy. Look for the surface to turn golden brown, which typically takes about 6–8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix. Alternatively, if you’re keeping it lighter, you can swap the chicken breast for turkey or even plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for tofu, which may require a bit longer to achieve a firm texture.

Tasty Vegetable Variations

The sautéed bell pepper and cherry tomatoes in this recipe not only add vibrant color but also deliver essential vitamins. Cooking them until just tender, around 3–4 minutes, allows their natural sweetness to shine through. You can experiment with other vegetables too, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale, depending on what's in season or what you have on hand. Just make sure to add firmer vegetables like zucchini a bit earlier to give them adequate cooking time.

For added creaminess, consider mixing in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. You could also top the bowl with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavors. If you're batch-prepping, store the components separately, as this will prevent the quinoa and chicken from becoming soggy—reheating each part separately ensures optimal texture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your High Protein Chicken Quinoa Bowl:

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa, sautéed chicken, and vegetables. Top with sliced avocado and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your nutritious and delicious bowl!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preference or what's in season. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing!

Make-Ahead Tips

This High Protein Chicken Quinoa Bowl is an excellent option for meal prep. Once all the components are cooked and cooled, you can store them in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Each section keeps well, allowing you to assemble your bowl quickly when hunger strikes. Just remember to store the avocado separately to prevent it from browning. You can slice it fresh right before serving to maintain its texture and appearance.

If you’re planning to freeze, keep in mind that the quinoa and chicken both freeze well, but the vegetables should ideally be enjoyed fresh to retain their crunch. Portion out the quinoa and chicken separately and transfer them to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your High Protein Chicken Quinoa Bowl, consider serving it with a side of leafy greens or a light salad. This adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the quinoa and chicken. You can also serve a protein-packed dressing, like tahini or yogurt-based dressings, to complement the flavors. Just drizzle over the assembled bowl for an extra layer of creaminess and taste.

If you want to turn this bowl into a complete feast, think about adding a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a warm pita. You could also include some nuts or seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for added crunch and nutrition. Mixing it up keeps things interesting and can cater to different tastes and dietary needs in your household.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, quinoa may come out mushy if it's cooked too long or there's excess water. To avoid this, keep an eye on the pot and check for that perfect fluffy texture after 15 minutes. If you notice the quinoa is still watery when it finishes cooking, simply strain it or let it sit for a few minutes off heat with the lid on, which can help absorb excess moisture.

For the chicken, if it's ending up dry, try cutting it into smaller pieces to cook quickly and evenly, as this minimizes the chance of overcooking. If you notice your vegetables are too wilted, turn up the heat slightly during the sautéing process to achieve a better caramelization. The goal is tender yet vibrant veggies that can stand up to the protein and grain.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, brown rice is a great substitute, but will require a longer cooking time.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ How can I meal prep this bowl?

To meal prep, cook the quinoa and chicken in advance, store separately, and assemble the bowl when ready to eat.

→ Can I add other proteins?

Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or beans are excellent protein options to mix into this bowl.