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Quick 15-Minute St Patrick’s Day Chicken with Quinoa

Quick 15-Minute St Patrick’s Day Chicken with Quinoa - featured image
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A vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for St Patrick’s Day that combines tender, zesty chicken with fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs and lemon. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days or last-minute holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 grams), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped scallions or green onions, crumbled feta or goat cheese, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove bitterness. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 minced garlic clove. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  3. Fluff quinoa with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and juice of half a lemon. Season with salt to taste. Keep warm.
  4. Slice chicken breasts thinly (about 1/2 inch thick). Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Transfer cooked chicken to quinoa pan or serving dish. Toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with parsley, scallions, or cheese if desired.

Notes

Slice chicken thinly for quick cooking and juiciness. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Let chicken rest briefly before combining with quinoa. Adjust seasoning and garnish as desired. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. For dairy-free, skip cheese garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: St Patrick’s Day, chicken, quinoa, quick recipe, easy dinner, healthy, gluten-free, festive meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/quick-15-minute-st-patricks-day-chicken-with-quinoa-easy-recipe-for-a-perfect-holiday-meal/