Ingredients
2 cups quinoa (uncooked), rinsed and cooked in 2 cups chicken stock
2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 250 g total)
4 tsp taco seasoning (or 2 Tbsp if using a homemade blend)
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (plus 1/4 cup diced for the salsa)
1 15-oz can whole-kernel corn (approximately 425 g), drained (for the corn salsa)
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for the corn salsa)
1 Tbsp lime juice (approximately 15 ml) (for the corn salsa)
2/3 cup guacamole (approximately 150 g)
1/4 cup Cotija-style cheese (or any crumbly cheese) (approximately 30 g), crumbled
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1- Okay, let’s dive into making these bowls it’s easier than you think! Start by rinsing 2 cups of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then cook it in 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and it’s nice and fluffy.
2- While that’s cooking, pat 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and rub them with 4 tsp of taco seasoning. Add a splash of water or stock to make a thin paste that keeps it from burning. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then dice it into bite-size pieces.
3- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil and sauté 1 small sliced red bell pepper and 1/2 small thinly sliced red onion for 4-5 minutes until they’re softened but still vibrant. For the corn salsa, mix 1 drained 15-oz can of whole-kernel corn with 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 Tbsp lime juice in a bowl until it’s all combined.
4- To assemble, divide the cooked quinoa between two bowls. Top each with the diced chicken, sautéed vegetables, corn salsa, and 2/3 cup guacamole. Sprinkle on 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija-style cheese and add lime wedges for serving. The whole process takes about 30 minutes total, making it perfect for a quick dinner. For more veggie ideas, check out this healthy soup recipe on our site.
Notes
🍋 Cook quinoa in chicken broth instead of water to add savory depth to the base.
📦 For meal‑prepping, store quinoa, chicken, veggies, and salsa in separate airtight containers; add fresh guacamole and cheese just before eating.
🥑 Brush a thin layer of lime juice on the surface of the guacamole before sealing to keep it green longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican‑inspired
- Diet: High‑protein, Gluten‑free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (≈ 350 g)
- Calories: 1180
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 95 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 62 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
