One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa
This One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken & Quinoa recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich quinoa, and infused with a savory garlic butter sauce, this dish makes the perfect main course for busy weeknights.With just a few ingredients and only one pot to clean, it’s as easy as it is delicious! Whether you're serving it for dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts or 4 thighs
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 tbsp garlic butter or regular butter + minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
- ½ lemon juiced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup vegetables optional: spinach, bell peppers, zucchini
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Start by heating a bit of garlic butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, and then cook it until it's golden brown on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Add the Quinoa
- In the same pot, add more garlic butter if needed, then stir in your quinoa. Let it toast for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors from the garlic butter. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the quinoa, making it even more delicious.
Step 3: Cook Everything Together
- Now it’s time to add the liquids! Pour in your chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the quinoa. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Once everything is cooked through, garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Serve it up and enjoy!