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Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad

A vibrant and nutritious dish that beautifully marries the smoky flavors of barbecue chicken with the wholesome goodness of quinoa.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Ingredients Group Label

  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinsed and cooked.
  • 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1 pound total.
  • ½ cup Barbecue sauce Your favorite flavor.
  • 1 piece Red bell pepper Diced.
  • 1 piece Yellow bell pepper Diced.
  • ½ small Red onion Finely chopped.
  • ¼ cup Fresh cilantro Chopped.
  • 1 piece Lime Juiced.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking the chicken.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Instructions

  • 1. Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool.
  • 2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the chicken. Season the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to warm up. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • 3. Once the chicken has rested, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Then, place the chicken in a bowl and pour ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce, ensuring every piece is well covered.
  • 4. Next, prepare the vegetables. Dice the 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper and finely chop ½ of a small red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, barbecue chicken, diced bell peppers, and red onion. Toss everything together gently to mix the ingredients without mashing the quinoa.
  • 5. Add the chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime to the mixture. Stir to incorporate the herbs and citrus, which will enhance the overall flavor of the Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad.
  • 6. At this point, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
  • 7. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together. This resting time helps the flavors develop, resulting in a more delicious dish.
  • 8. Once the salad has rested, serve it in bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and freshness. Your Healthy BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

This salad can be served warm or cold and is perfect for meal prep. It can also be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences.