Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa! Seriously, this dish has become my go-to for those evenings when I’m racing against the clock but still want something delicious and satisfying. It’s so simple to prepare, and the best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash – yes, please!
When you melt that butter and toss in the minced garlic, the aroma fills the kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly. Plus, with the chicken and quinoa, you’re getting a healthy balance of protein and whole grains. It’s comforting yet nutritious, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want to feel good about what you’re eating. I love that I can whip this up in about 40 minutes, and it tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. You’re going to love it just as much as I do!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa. I promise it’s easy and flows so smoothly, just like a well-orchestrated dance in your kitchen. I can almost smell that rich garlic aroma already!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first, grab your favorite large pot and set it over medium heat. Toss in those glorious 4 tablespoons of butter. As it melts, just watch it transform into liquid gold, and don’t rush this part! We want it perfectly melted and ready to embrace all that flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once your butter is all melted and bubbly, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Wow, the smell is going to be incredible! Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful here, though—keep an eye on it because burnt garlic is not our friend. We want that sweet, aromatic goodness, not a charred disaster!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add in your diced chicken. Spread it out a bit in the pot so it gets some nice browning action going on. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink and just starting to brown. We’re looking for that perfect, golden color that means flavor, flavor, flavor!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to invite the quinoa to the party! Stir in those 2 cups of rinsed quinoa, followed by the 4 cups of chicken broth, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix it all together really well. This step is crucial—make sure everything is nicely combined so every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Simmer the Dish
Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa has absorbed all that delicious broth and is fluffy. Just a little patience here, and you’ll be rewarded with a cozy, comforting meal!
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Finally, once your quinoa is cooked and fluffy, stir in that 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Oh my goodness, this is where the magic happens! It adds a creamy, cheesy touch that takes the dish to a whole new level. Give it a good stir, and then it’s ready to serve. Enjoy every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot means minimal cleanup—more time to enjoy your meal!
- Rich flavors from garlic and butter make each bite irresistible.
- Quinoa adds a healthy dose of protein and fiber, making it a balanced dish.
- It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
- Customizable! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
- Comfort food that doesn’t compromise on health—what’s not to love?
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my top tips that I’ve gathered from countless delicious attempts in the kitchen:
- Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy with seasoning! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking as you cook. Everyone’s palate is different, and a little tweak here and there can make a world of difference.
- Mix in Veggies: Want to boost the nutrition? Toss in some fresh veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even some peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and flavor, plus extra vitamins!
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before moving on to the next step. You want it to be beautifully browned and juicy, not undercooked. A little patience pays off!
- Rinse the Quinoa: This step is key! Rinse your quinoa well before adding it to the pot. It helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. You want all the goodness without any bitterness, trust me!
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and gives the quinoa a chance to fluff up.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to play around with herbs and spices! Fresh basil, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate this dish to new heights. Get creative!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a delicious one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness of this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa! While I always encourage enjoying food in moderation and focusing on how it makes you feel, it’s nice to know what we’re working with. Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (and remember, this is an estimate!):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
With a hearty dose of protein and fiber, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also fuels your body with nutrients. Each bite is a balance of flavors and health, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. Enjoy knowing you’re nourishing yourself while indulging in something delicious!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers:
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes and ensure you have enough liquid. It’ll be just as delicious!
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem at all! You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor might be a bit milder without the broth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you might want to add a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! I love adding veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and extra nutrition. Just make sure they’re cut small enough to cook through quickly!
Is it okay to freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken if you’re in a pinch! Just make sure to cook it a little longer, and check that it’s cooked through before serving.
I hope these answers help clear up any questions you might have about this delightful recipe! Feel free to reach out if you have more—I’m always here to help you whip up something delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa, and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them so you can enjoy that fantastic flavor later!
First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before you store it. This step is key to keeping it fresh! Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. I usually divide it into single servings, which makes reheating super easy later on!
Pop that container in the fridge, and you can keep it for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. For the best texture, I recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth to help bring back some moisture, and heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that lovely creamy consistency!
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop your serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (to prevent splattering), and heat it in short bursts of about 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until it’s hot. Just keep an eye on it so you don’t overheat!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa anytime you want. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time!
Imprimer
One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa: 7 Comforting Steps
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and flavorful one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa dish.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in quinoa, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: one pot garlic butter chicken and quinoa
