Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl

The aroma of grilled chicken and toasted quinoa fills the air as I prepare this hearty bowl. The combination of smoky, charred chicken, fluffy quinoa, and a medley of roasted vegetables is a match made in heaven.

The sizzle of the grill and the sound of sizzling vegetables create a sensory experience that sets the tone for a satisfying meal. As I cook, the kitchen is filled with the savory smells of cumin, coriander, and a hint of lemon, teasing my taste buds and building anticipation.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl

A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with the goodness of grilled chicken, quinoa, and roasted vegetables, all tied together with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing.
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Step-by-Step Instructions

With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
  1. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
  3. Roast the vegetables in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the bell pepper and onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
  4. Assemble the bowls. Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and divide among bowls. Top the quinoa with the roasted vegetables, chicken, and a dollop of lemon-tahini dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note on food safety: Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl

A warm and satisfying bowl filled with the goodness of grilled chicken, quinoa, and roasted vegetables is the perfect contrast to a variety of sides, from crunchy and refreshing to soft and comforting. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful harmony that will leave you wanting more.

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of roasted sweet potato wedges provide a lovely contrast to the soft quinoa and grilled chicken. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes also complements the smokiness of the chicken perfectly. I love serving these wedges on the side, as they add a nice crunch to the dish.
Garlic and Herb Naan Bread: The soft and fluffy texture of garlic and herb naan bread is a perfect match for the hearty bowl. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting from the bread adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish, and the slight crunch of the bread provides a nice textural contrast. Weekend brunch with this combination is a treat.
Spicy Pickled Carrots: The spicy and tangy flavor of pickled carrots adds a nice kick to the dish. The crunch of the carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the soft quinoa and grilled chicken, and the spicy flavor complements the smokiness of the chicken perfectly. I reach for these pickled carrots whenever I want to add a bit of excitement to my meal.
Creamy Coleslaw: The creamy texture of coleslaw provides a nice cooling contrast to the warm and spicy flavors of the bowl. The crunch of the cabbage and the sweetness of the dressing complement the smokiness of the chicken and the earthiness of the quinoa perfectly. This side dish is a staple in my household, as it adds a nice balance to the meal.
Grilled Asparagus: The tender and slightly charred texture of grilled asparagus adds a nice pop of color and flavor to the dish. The earthiness of the asparagus complements the quinoa and the smokiness of the chicken perfectly, and the slight crunch of the asparagus provides a nice textural contrast. I love serving this side dish during the spring, when asparagus is in season.
Warm Pita Bread: The soft and fluffy texture of warm pita bread is a perfect match for the hearty bowl. The aroma of warm bread wafting from the oven adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish, and the slight crunch of the bread provides a nice textural contrast. This side dish is a staple in my household, as it adds a nice comfort to the meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The crispy exterior and tender interior of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a lovely contrast to the soft quinoa and grilled chicken. The earthiness of the Brussels sprouts complements the quinoa and the smokiness of the chicken perfectly, and the slight bitterness of the sprouts balances out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. I love serving these sprouts on the side, as they add a nice depth to the dish.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: The combination of cooked quinoa and black beans, mixed with diced tomatoes and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing, provides a nice contrast to the warm and spicy flavors of the bowl. The earthiness of the quinoa and the sweetness of the tomatoes complement the smokiness of the chicken perfectly, and the slight crunch of the black beans provides a nice textural contrast. This side dish is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.
Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Storage and Serving Tips

Store any leftover grilled chicken and quinoa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and quinoa in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Roasted vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Lemon-tahini dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give the dressing a good stir before using.

Conclusion

A delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week, this Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal option.
Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Bowl

A hearty and flavorful bowl filled with grilled chicken, quinoa, and roasted vegetables, all tied together with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Rest Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Serves: 4 people Course: Light Dinner, Lunch, Salad Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired Calories: 550 per serving

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🍳 Equipment

  • Grill
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Cutting board
  • Bowls

👨‍🍳 Method

  1. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through
  2. Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions
  3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned
  4. Assemble the bowls with the grilled chicken, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of lemon-tahini dressing

📝 Notes

Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.