Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Push the onion and garlic to the edges of the skillet and add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Season the chicken with the salt and black pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring to sear, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa, coating it in the pan juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Arrange the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers evenly over the top of the quinoa and chicken.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low or medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Uncover the skillet, add the spinach, dried herbs, and lemon juice, and gently fold everything together.
- Cover again and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth and control added salt to keep this meal more diabetes- and heart-friendly.
- If the skillet looks dry before the quinoa is tender, add a few tablespoons of water or broth and continue cooking covered.
- You can substitute broccoli with green beans or zucchini, and spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
- If the skillet looks dry before the quinoa is tender, add a few tablespoons of water or broth and continue cooking covered.
- You can substitute broccoli with green beans or zucchini, and spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
