Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know that weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. But guess what? This simple and healthy recipe is here to save the day! It’s not only quick to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor and goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fluffy quinoa all coming together in one delicious bowl. Trust me, this dish is a winner for busy evenings when you want to keep things healthy without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh for the best texture
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you love works great!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to bring in that delicious aroma
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible
- 1 teaspoon paprika, for a subtle smoky flavor
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed to remove bitterness
- 2 cups vegetable broth, or chicken broth for extra flavor
How to Prepare Healthy Weeknight Dinners
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, let’s get that olive oil nice and warm! Heat it in a large skillet over medium heat. This is super important—medium heat ensures the chicken cooks through evenly without burning, so you get that perfect golden color and juicy texture. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for just about a minute—I can’t stress enough how quick this step is! You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned. If it burns, it turns bitter, and nobody wants that in their dinner, right?
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Time to add the diced chicken! Stir it into the skillet and let it cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning is key here; it adds flavor and gives the chicken that lovely texture we all crave. Make sure to stir occasionally so it cooks evenly. You want those little browned bits for extra deliciousness!
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is looking good, toss in the broccoli florets and sliced bell pepper. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes. This timing is crucial—just enough for the veggies to be tender but still crisp. You want that vibrant color and texture to shine through in every bite. Yum!
Step 5: Season the Dish
Now it’s time to season your dish! Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Seasoning is essential because it brings all those flavors to life. Don’t be shy—taste as you go and adjust to your liking. A well-seasoned dish is a happy dish!
Step 6: Prepare the Quinoa
While your chicken and veggies are cooking, let’s get that quinoa going! In a separate pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork afterward for that light and airy texture. Perfect!
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over a bed of fluffy quinoa. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing! Enjoy every bite of this healthy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, this dish is ready in a snap, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from quinoa, and vitamins from fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that keeps you satisfied.
- Great Flavor: The combination of garlic, paprika, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful taste that’s both comforting and invigorating.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or spices; this recipe is flexible and can easily adapt to your taste preferences!
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you. More time to relax after dinner? Yes, please!
Tips for Success
To make this dish perfect, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure to cut your chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking—this way, you won’t have some pieces overcooked while others are underdone. Next, if you’re new to quinoa, keep an eye on it while it cooks; it can easily go from fluffy to mushy if left too long. Also, don’t skip the tasting part when seasoning; it’s the best way to ensure your flavors are just right! Lastly, feel free to add a splash of lemon juice right before serving for an extra burst of freshness!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to customize this healthy weeknight dinner! Try swapping in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a fresh twist. Feeling adventurous? Add some spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick! You could even throw in some beans for extra protein or use brown rice instead of quinoa for a different texture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (which I hope you do because it’s that good!), let the chicken and quinoa cool down to room temperature before storing. Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Just a splash of broth or water can help revive the quinoa’s fluffy texture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for this healthy weeknight dinner, so you know exactly what you’re getting when you dig in! Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Now you can enjoy this delicious meal knowing it’s not just tasty, but also packed with good-for-you nutrients! Perfect for fueling your busy weeknights!
What’s Next?
I’d love to hear about your experience with this healthy weeknight dinner! Did you try any fun variations or add your own twist? Please share your thoughts and any tips in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to create delicious meals! Happy cooking!
For more quick dinner ideas, check out quick chicken dinner ideas or explore easy weeknight dinners casserole for more delicious options!
Print
Healthy Weeknight Dinners: 7 Quick Recipes to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for a weeknight dinner that is quick to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add broccoli and bell pepper, cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a separate pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add quinoa to the broth, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve with the chicken and vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure to cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute any vegetables based on your preference.
- Double the recipe for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: healthy weeknight dinners
