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Colorful Southwest Chicken Quinoa Bowl with fresh vegetables and spices

Southwest Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Indulge in this nourishing Southwest Chicken Quinoa Bowl, featuring perfectly seasoned chicken, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables for a flavor explosion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the quinoa

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option

For the veggies

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn canned, frozen, or fresh
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Begin by marinating the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.

Cooking the Quinoa

  • Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.

Sautéing the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and the red onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the corn and black beans, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.

Assembling the Bowls

  • Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. In each bowl, start with a base of fluffy quinoa, then layer on sautéed vegetables, sliced chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes. Top with fresh avocado slices and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Pro Tips for Perfect Results: Marinate Longer for deeper flavor, cook quinoa properly by rinsing it to remove natural coating, use a meat thermometer for perfect chicken cooking, customize your veggies, and make it spicy by adding jalapeños or cayenne powder.
Keyword Chicken Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Meal Prep, Quinoa Bowl, Southwest Chicken Quinoa Bowl