Chicken & Avocado Quinoa Bowl
A vibrant and satisfying Chicken & Avocado Quinoa Bowl, perfectly balanced with lean protein, healthy fats, and slow-release carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious and delicious meal.
For 2 servings
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water or vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Let cool slightly.
While the quinoa cooks, prepare your chicken and vegetables. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply slice it into bite-sized pieces. If grilling fresh chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C), then slice.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the avocado. Divide the baby spinach between two large serving bowls, forming a bed.
Prepare the tahini-lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder (if using), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Assemble the bowls: Evenly distribute the warm or cooled quinoa over the spinach in each bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken, avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the quinoa.
Drizzle each bowl generously with the tahini-lemon dressing. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Meal Prep Pro-Tip: Cook a larger batch of quinoa and chicken at the beginning of the week. Store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble your bowls fresh each day for a quick and healthy lunch.
- 2Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- 3Dressing Consistency: If your tahini dressing is too thick, add a little more water (1 teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. If it's too thin, add a tiny bit more tahini.
- 4Flavor Boost: Toast the pumpkin seeds lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned before sprinkling them on the bowl. This enhances their nutty flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace chicken with baked salmon, pan-seared tofu, or chickpeas for a different flavor profile or vegetarian option.
Grain AlternativeGrain Alternative
Substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or couscous for varied textures and nutritional benefits.
Vegetable AdditionsVegetable Additions
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets for extra nutrients and color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
PCOS-Friendly
This bowl supports PCOS management with its balance of lean protein (chicken), healthy fats (avocado, tahini), and low-glycemic, high-fiber carbohydrates (quinoa, spinach), which help regulate blood sugar and hormones.
Rich in Fiber
Quinoa, spinach, and avocado are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, satiety, and stable blood sugar levels.
Complete Protein Source
Chicken provides a high-quality, complete protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, while quinoa also contributes all nine essential amino acids.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! Cook the quinoa and chicken, and prepare the dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers. Assemble the bowls fresh each day, adding the avocado just before eating to prevent browning.
