Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for a healthy lunch or dinner. The creamy avocado melds beautifully with the protein-packed quinoa and chicken while the fresh veggies add a burst of brightness. This nourishing bowl is not just pleasing to the palate but is also visually appealing with its vibrant colors. It’s easy to make and caters to various dietary preferences, making it a delightful choice for everyone at the table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 380
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
Why Make This Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl checks all the boxes for a healthy meal. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which means it’s not only satisfying but also nourishing for your body. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to enjoy it as a quick lunch at work or a hearty family dinner. Plus, making this bowl takes just about 25 minutes from start to finish, proving that healthy does not need to be time-consuming. The combination of creamy avocado, juicy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty lime juice creates a medley of flavors that pleases everyone’s palate.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Creating your own Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
-
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion.
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Step 3: Cooking
Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl and mix gently to combine the ingredients.
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Step 4: Finishing
Drizzle with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Serve this bowl warm or at room temperature for a fresh and healthy meal. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. For lunch, pack it in meal prep containers for an easy grab-and-go option. This bowl can also be served in larger quantities for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
How to Store Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
To store leftovers, place the Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Since avocado can brown, add lime juice over diced avocado to preserve its color, or store avocados separately if preparing a larger batch.
Expert Tips for Perfect Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- Make Quinoa in Advance: Save time by preparing quinoa ahead of time. Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge to use in various meals throughout the week.
- Variations on Protein: If you’re not a chicken fan, try shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or even tofu for a plant-based option.
- Creamier Texture: For an ultra-creamy bowl, mash half the avocado and mix it in with the quinoa.
- Extra Flavor: Add spices or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Cumin or smoked paprika can enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Keep it Fresh: Substitute seasonal veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch.
Delicious Variations
Explore variations of this bowl by adding different ingredients:
- Southwestern Twist: Incorporate black beans, diced bell peppers, and avocado dressing.
- Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, chopped olives, and a sprinkle of oregano to give your bowl a Mediterranean flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this bowl vegan?
Yes! Substitute shredded chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu for a delicious vegan version. -
How can I prevent the avocado from browning?
You can prevent browning by squeezing lime juice over the diced avocado and storing it in an airtight container. -
What else can I add to increase the protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding beans, lentils, or nuts like almonds or walnuts. -
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that any additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free. -
Can I freeze a portion of this dish?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but if you want to freeze it, omit the avocado and cilantro before freezing. Defrost and add fresh avocado when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
The Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a delightful meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a favorite among both adults and kids. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this recipe is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy making this wholesome bowl today!
Print
Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful combination of creamy avocado, protein-packed quinoa, and juicy chicken, this bowl is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl and mix gently to combine the ingredients.
- Drizzle with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
This bowl can be served warm or at room temperature. For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To prevent avocado from browning, squeeze lime juice over it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
