One pan chicken and quinoa healthy dinner that cooks entirely on the stovetop. It’s packed with flavour, protein, and veggies, ready in an hour, with minimal cleanup so perfect for busy weeknights!
Folks, this one pan chicken and quinoa is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
It’s hearty and healthy. It’s loaded with tons of flavour and it’s all made in one pan entirely on the stovetop, in under an hour!
With lean minced chicken, fluffy quinoa, peppers, sweetcorn, tomatoes and delicious spices, this dish proves that simple chicken and quinoa recipes can be both nourishing and satisfying.
This is a great budget-friendly recipe. Let’s face it, food is getting more expensive and we need to try and get as much as we can, meal wise, from the best but lowest cost ingredients we can.
With this being a recipe all about convenience, as you’re cooking everything in just one pot or skillet, there’s minimal to clean up at the end too.
If you love easy one pan chicken and quinoa recipes that don’t require complicated steps or special equipment to make, then this is for you!
This one pan chicken and quinoa is easy to make and healthy.
You’ll get plenty of protein from the minced chicken, fibre from the quinoa and vitamins from the peppers, onion, sweetcorn and tomatoes.
I’ve used cumin, paprika and and chilli powder to give it mild subtle flavours without it being overly spicy. But it’s definately adjustable for those who prefer a spicier kick.
Combined with the tinned chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, everything simmers away together until the quinoa is tender and the flavours have all beautifully combined.
One pan chicken and quinoa healthy meals like this are proof that nutritious doesn’t have to be bland!
This version uses minced chicken rather than chicken pieces so it cooks faster. The chicken mince also blends much easier with the quinoa and absorbs the spices better giving it an almost stew-like consistency.
As a completely versatile dish you can serve this quinoa chicken recipe as I do with a little grated cheese in bowls, or topped with fresh herbs, or even load it into wraps or pitas.
This simple chicken and quinoa recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch at the start of the week and store portions in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future.
As the recipe makes up to six portions it’s great for families and also for feeding a crowd.
Try this easy one pan chicken and quinoa for your next weeknight dinner, you’ll definitely want to add it to your list of affordable quick healthy family recipes!
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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken And Quinoa
- Healthy, nutritious and balanced: Lean protein from the chicken, fibre and wholegrains from quinoa and vitamins from the veggies.
- Easy One Pan Recipe: Everything cooks on the stovetop. No oven needed.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using a deep pan, skillet or large casserole pot means fewer dishes and less fuss.
- Great for Busy Weeknights: You can have this ready in about 1 hour or less (both prep + cook), with little stress.
- Versatile: Serve it on its own in a bowl. Or with salad or green vegetables such as broccoli or load it into wraps or tortillas for a twist.
Ingredients
- Chicken Mince/Minced Chicken – you can also use turkey mince, lean beef mince or plant based mince to make it vegan/vegetarian.
- Onion
- Garlic Clove – fresh is best for flavour.
- Red Bell Pepper
- Green Bell Pepper
- Ground Cumin
- Paprika
- Chilli Powder
- Frozen Sweetcorn – you can also use canned corn or fresh corn.
- Tinned Chopped Tomatoes
- Tomato Paste
- Quinoa (rinsed)
- Chicken Stock / Chicken Broth – you can use beef or vegetable stock instead.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Grated Cheese (optional for garnish)
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make One Pan Chicken And Quinoa (Step By Step Instructions)
Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this easy one pan chicken and quinoa recipe:
Step 1.1
- Heat a large casserole pot or deep pan over a medium heat. Cook chicken mince until browned.
Step 1.2
- Remove mince with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave juices in the pan.
Step 2
- Sauté the onion, garlic, red and green peppers in the pan.
Step 3
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, and chilli powder.
Step 4
- Add the sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, rinsed quinoa, chicken stock, salt and pepper, then return the cooked chicken mince to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Step 5
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6
- Once cooked through, remove from heat and let sit to allow the quinoa to finish steaming. Fluff with a fork, garnish with grated cheese and serve hot.
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FAQ’s
How Many Calories Are In This Chicken And Quinoa?
There are 253 calories in this recipe.
Can I Make This One Pan Chicken And Quinoa Recipe In Advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it in advance then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan or microwave until piping hot before serving.
Can I Freeze One Pan Chicken And Quinoa?
Absolutely. Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before eating.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Quinoa?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked quinoa but reduce the amount of chicken stock to around 100 ml and simmer everything just until heated through and the flavours have combined.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you ensure the chicken stock and spices you use are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What Can I Use Instead Of Chicken Mince?
You can substitute with turkey mince, lean beef mince, or even plant-based mince if you prefer a vegetarian version.
Other Popular One Pan Recipes To Try
This is a delicious one pot Mediterranean chicken with all flavours of the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean feta chicken is the perfect quick healthy one pan weeknight dinner. This vibrant chicken recipe is packed with flavour and takes only 30 minutes to make!
Chicken stew with tomatoes and potatoes. Looking for a hearty and delicious meal? This Mediterranean style stew is the perfect comfort food!
📋 One Pan Chicken and Quinoa Recipe
One pan chicken and quinoa healthy dinner that cooks entirely on the stovetop. It’s packed with flavour, protein, and veggies, ready in an hour, with minimal cleanup so perfect for busy weeknights!
Servings: 6
Calories: 253kcal
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Ingredients
- 500 g chicken mince
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 70 g frozen sweetcorn
- 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 120 g quinoa rinsed
- 250 ml chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Grated cheese for garnish optional
Instructions
-
Heat a large casserole pot or deep non-stick pan over a medium heat. Add the chicken mince and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the juices in the pan.
-
Add the onion, garlic, red and green peppers to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
-
Stir in the cumin, paprika, and chilli powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, rinsed quinoa, chicken stock, salt and pepper, then return the cooked chicken mince to the pan. Stir well to combine.
-
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Once done, remove from heat and let sit, for 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to finish steaming. Fluff with a fork, garnish with grated cheese and serve hot.
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Nutrition
Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 896mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1036IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition Label
Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.
Nutrition Facts
📋 One Pan Chicken and Quinoa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 253
Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 73mg24%
Sodium 433mg19%
Potassium 896mg26%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 1036IU21%
Vitamin C 51mg62%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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If you’ve made this one pan chicken and quinoa recipe, or any other recipes on Neil’s Healthy Meals, then please let me know.
I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂
