Hello, friends! Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet at mateorecipes.blog, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of every home-cooked meal. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly balances nutrition and flavor while keeping things simple and family-friendly. It’s my Air Fryer Chicken Quinoa, a dish that’s become a staple at our dinner table.
Whenever I make this dish, it reminds me of those busy weeknights when I want to serve something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. My kids love it, and I feel great knowing I’m serving them a nutritious meal. It’s a recipe that not only brings our family together but also fills our home with the comforting aroma of spices and fresh ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a wholesome meal ready in no time, allowing you more moments to relax with family. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time significantly, making this a convenient option when you’re in a rush.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table, encouraging even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their dinner. You can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste, adding a bit more paprika for a slight kick or keeping it mild for younger kids.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from the chicken and quinoa, plus vegetables like peas and bell peppers, it’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies without compromising on health. Quinoa provides essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, while the vegetables add a fantastic array of vitamins and minerals.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using an air fryer means less mess and fewer pots and pans to wash afterward, which is always a bonus on busy days. The air fryer basket is easy to clean, and since the chicken cooks without additional oil, there’s less grease to deal with.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your family’s favorite vegetables or spices. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. You can also switch up the spices, perhaps adding some cumin or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 450 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy texture. Preheating is an important step to prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains and give it a light texture. It’s important to rinse quinoa to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- In a bowl, mix diced chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. This step is key to infusing the chicken with flavor. The olive oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This shaking step prevents the chicken pieces from sticking together and ensures all sides are crispy.
- After 10 minutes, add diced bell pepper and frozen peas to the air fryer basket with the chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp. This quick cooking method helps the vegetables retain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Once the chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender, combine the chicken mixture with the cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Toss to combine, allowing the spices to evenly distribute. This step ensures that every spoonful is packed with flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. Parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Helpful Tip: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, as overcooking can dry out the chicken.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air Fryer: For that crispy, quick-cooking finish that locks in moisture while giving a delightful crust. An air fryer is a versatile tool that can also be used for other recipes like homemade fries or roasted veggies.
- Medium Saucepan: To cook your quinoa to perfection, ensuring it’s fluffy and fully cooked. A good quality saucepan with a tight-fitting lid will make all the difference in cooking quinoa evenly.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the delicious components together seamlessly. Opt for a bowl that’s big enough to toss the ingredients without making a mess.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in ingredients, helping to maintain flavor consistency. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your chicken and vegetables efficiently and safely. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, especially important for even cooking.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Quinoa: A powerhouse of protein and fiber, quinoa is not just filling but also gluten-free, making it a great choice for various dietary needs. It provides essential amino acids and is a great alternative to rice or pasta. Quinoa’s nutty flavor complements the spices in this recipe perfectly.
- Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-rich, it helps build muscles and keeps you full longer. It’s a versatile meat that absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for this dish. Using chicken breast ensures a leaner meal, reducing overall fat content.
- Bell Pepper: Adds a burst of vitamin C and a slight sweetness that balances the spices. Its vibrant color also makes the dish visually appealing. Bell peppers also contain antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
- Frozen Peas: Convenient and packed with vitamins, peas add color and nutrients to the dish. They are also a great source of plant protein and fiber. Peas add a touch of sweetness and texture, complementing the savory chicken and quinoa.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that brings all the flavors together, enhancing the overall taste while providing essential fatty acids. Olive oil also helps in achieving a nice sear on the chicken when cooking.
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika): These simple seasonings elevate the dish with warmth and depth, making it comforting yet exciting. They add layers of flavor without overwhelming the taste buds. These spices are also pantry staples, making them accessible for quick meal prep.
What to Serve With This Dish
Pair this Air Fryer Chicken Quinoa with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a creamy touch, enhancing the flavor profile. The coolness of the yogurt or the tanginess of feta can balance the warmth of the spices beautifully. For more family meal ideas, check out my Baked Zucchini Fries and Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for a full, satisfying meal. These sides will complement the main dish beautifully, rounding out your dinner table offerings.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the quinoa from drying out. This dish also makes a great packed lunch for the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and develop, often tasting even better the second day! If you plan to make it in advance, you can also prepare the quinoa and chicken separately, storing them individually to preserve their texture. For best results, reheat in the air fryer to revive the crispiness of the chicken.
In closing, I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Air Fryer Chicken Quinoa as much as I do. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of home cooking—simple, nourishing, and made with love. Remember, cooking is all about making memories and bringing joy to those you love. Until next time, happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Quinoa
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix diced chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- After 10 minutes, add diced bell pepper and frozen peas to the air fryer basket with the chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender, combine the chicken mixture with the cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.