One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner | Easy Healthy Recipe
You know those evenings when you just want to throw everything into one pan and call it a night? That’s where this One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner shines.
Quick, comforting, and nourishing, this meal offers everything you want for a weeknight. Tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, colorful veggies, and the right herbs come together in one skillet to create magic.
And the best part? You only have one pan to wash.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish feels homemade but never heavy. Healthy comfort food, the kind that makes you feel proud and satisfied all at once, is what this is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken and quinoa dinner recipe checks all the boxes:
- 🍗 One pan, zero stress – Minimal cleanup for busy nights.
- 🥣 Balanced and filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
- 🧄 Simple ingredients – Pantry staples you already have.
- 🌈 Colorful and vibrant – Full of veggies and texture.
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
💡 Bonus: The leftovers taste just as good (maybe even better) the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients just wholesome, simple things that come together beautifully.
Base ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small zucchini, diced (optional but adds freshness)
For the quinoa base
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To finish
- ½ lemon (juice + zest)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: a sprinkle of Parmesan, feta, or avocado slices
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner
This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen genius it’s that easy.
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet; the heat will keep cooking the quinoa later.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
👨🍳 Tip: Browning the chicken adds a delicious, caramelized flavor that makes the whole dish richer.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan (no need to wash it!), add the onion and cook for 2 minutes until it softens.
Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
💡 Chef’s secret: Those brown bits at the bottom of the pan? Don’t scrape them away that’s pure flavor.
Step 3: Add Quinoa and Broth
Add the rinsed quinoa to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil and veggies. This helps the quinoa toast slightly, deepening its flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth, paprika, cumin, thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Back In
Return the browned chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the pan.
Stir everything well, ensuring the quinoa distributes evenly and submerges in the broth.
Bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The quinoa should become fluffy, and you should fully cook the chicken.
Step 5: Fluff and Finish
Once it’s done, remove the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle with zest, and finish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
✨ That’s it dinner’s ready!
The Flavor Profile (and Why It Works)
What makes this one-pan chicken and quinoa dinner so good is balance:
- Savory chicken brings protein and richness.
- Quinoa soaks up all the delicious broth, giving you a soft, nutty base.
- Veggies add color, crunch, and freshness.
- Lemon lifts everything up with brightness.
Comforting yet light, hearty yet fresh, this dish serves as the perfect example of simple ingredients working in harmony.
Tips for the Best Results
- Rinse your quinoa well: It removes bitterness and helps it cook fluffy.
- Use good broth: The quinoa absorbs flavor like a sponge quality broth matters.
- Don’t skip the lemon: That touch of acidity makes all the flavors pop.
- Rest before fluffing: Letting it sit covered for a few minutes helps it absorb every drop of goodness.
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible and forgiving you can tweak it however you like!
- 🥬 Add greens: Spinach, kale, or even arugula stirred in at the end.
- 🌶️ Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- 🧀 Cheesy twist: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or feta before serving.
- 🍅 Mediterranean style: Add chopped tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
- 🥕 Kid-friendly: Swap bell peppers for corn and reduce the spices slightly.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat Tips
This one-pan meal is a meal-prepper’s dream:
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
💡 Pro tip: Add a squeeze of lemon or olive oil before serving again it instantly revives the flavor.
Why Quinoa Is the Perfect Pairing
Quinoa is like the unsung hero of easy dinners. Light but filling, it cooks quickly and soaks up every bit of flavor.
It also adds complete protein and a gentle nuttiness that complements chicken beautifully.
If you’ve only used quinoa in salads before, this recipe will completely change how you see it.
Nutrition Highlights
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Naturally gluten-free
The perfect dinner for families who want something healthy but not boring awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just stir it in after the quinoa cooks to keep it tender.
Absolutely. It’ll still be delicious just add a little extra salt or herbs.
Sure replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and follow the same steps.
No, it cooks right in the same pan! That’s the beauty of this recipe.
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
Something special exists about one-pan dinners. They’re humble, real, and forgiving the kind of meals that fill your house with warmth and your belly with comfort.
This chicken and quinoa dinner recipe is exactly that. The meal you make when you’re tired, but still want something homemade. When you want to nourish yourself or your family without fuss.
One bite, and you will taste a lovely mix of flavors. The golden chicken, fluffy quinoa, bright lemon, and herbs come together perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
When you need an easy, healthy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa Dinner is your go-to.
Easy for weeknights, special for Sunday lunch, and flexible enough to be a regular in your kitchen.
Tonight, take one pan and a few ingredients. Let this warm, healthy meal bring everyone to the table. Good food and good moments always come together. 💛
Mia Cook
Mia Cook creates simple, healthy, and delicious recipes. From quick snacks to full meals, her recipes are designed for busy lifestyles and home cooks.
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- Mia Cook
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