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Cheesy Chicken Quinoa

Cheesy Chicken Quinoa: Comfort Food for Busy Nights

A comforting blend of creamy Cheesy Chicken Quinoa, perfect for busy evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil olive oil can also be used
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed before use
  • 1 pound ground chicken can substitute with turkey or plant-based crumbles
For the Veggies
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 cup red/orange bell pepper chopped, any bell pepper color works
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper chopped, adjust based on heat preference
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
For the Spices
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder or substitute with taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin no direct substitute recommended
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika can provide a twist
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder optional, adjust according to spice preference
For the Liquid and Acidity
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste no substitute recommended
  • 1 can diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 cup chicken stock or substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional
  • 1 medium lime juice used, wedges served
For Topping
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella/Monterey Jack as alternatives
  • 1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt can be a substitute

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Heat oil in medium saucepan, add quinoa, toast for 2 minutes. Add water and salt, bring to boil, cover, reduce heat, simmer for 15 minutes, sit covered for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat additional oil. Add ground chicken, sauté for 8-10 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock. Boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Add cooked quinoa to the skillet with chicken and veggies. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Mix well.
  6. Preheat broiler. Spread mixture in skillet, top with cheese, broil for 3-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let cool slightly, serve garnished with cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove saponins that can impart bitterness. Adjust spice levels according to taste.

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