There’s something truly magical about one-pot meals, and this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa is no exception! I love how it brings together tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and nutty quinoa all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without all the fuss. Plus, the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter is just irresistible, filling your home with warmth and comfort. I can already picture you enjoying every bite of this hearty meal—let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delicious one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa. Having your ingredients prepped will make the process so much smoother!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick browning.
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed: Make sure to rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
- 4 cups chicken broth: This adds a rich depth of flavor. You can opt for low-sodium broth if you’re keeping an eye on salt.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Yes, you need all that buttery goodness! It adds a wonderful richness to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here—its flavor is just unbeatable!
- 1 teaspoon salt: This enhances all the flavors, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A little kick goes a long way, but you can add more if you love a spicy touch!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a lovely color and a subtle smokiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken—don’t skip this; it helps prevent sticking!
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach not only adds color but also packs in nutrients.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley is perfect for garnish and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
How to Prepare One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Let that butter melt and get bubbly—this is where the magic begins!
- Once the butter is nice and sizzly, add in the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides. You want a little bit of color here—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant; be careful not to let it burn! The aroma will be heavenly!
- Next, stir in the rinsed quinoa and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, and watch that pot bubble with excitement!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when the quinoa absorbs all that flavorful broth, so don’t peek too often!
- After 15 minutes, lift the lid and stir in the chopped spinach along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and everything is beautifully combined.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm. And there you have it—a comforting and satisfying meal all in one pot!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients to fuel your day. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values you can expect per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This meal is great for a balanced diet, offering a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Enjoy every nourishing bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
- Rich, buttery flavor from garlic and chicken that will have your taste buds dancing!
- Nutritious quinoa adds a healthy twist, making it a balanced dish.
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without the fuss.
- Versatile and easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure to rinse your quinoa thoroughly—this removes any bitterness and lets it shine in the dish. When browning the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary to get that nice golden color. Also, keep an eye on the garlic while it’s sautéing; it can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash! Lastly, feel free to adjust the seasoning as you go—tasting is key to making it just right!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some ingredient swaps and notes to make this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa work for everyone! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, feel free to substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas—both work beautifully in this dish. For those sensitive to gluten, ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check your quinoa is certified gluten-free. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove. And for an extra burst of flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs or spices, like thyme or oregano, to elevate the dish even more!
Serving Suggestions
This one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to elevate your dining experience, consider serving it with a light side salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad pairs perfectly, adding a refreshing crunch. You could also serve some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up that rich garlic butter goodness. Enjoy every mouthful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to portion it out for easy thawing later!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry, and enjoy that comforting flavor all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is my favorite for its nutty flavor and texture, you can substitute it with couscous, brown rice, or even farro. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid amounts may vary, so refer to the package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa ahead of time! Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating is a breeze, and it still tastes fantastic!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is super versatile. Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even frozen peas. Just add them in when you stir in the spinach to ensure they cook through.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just remember, using broth will give you that rich flavor, so if you go with water, consider adding some extra seasonings to amp it up!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make the one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The dish will still be delicious and comforting!
For more delicious recipes, check out this chicken recipe or this salad recipe!
Z nadrukami
One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa: Pure Comfort Meal
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and delicious one-pot meal featuring garlic butter chicken and quinoa.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and remaining butter. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa
