High-Protein Chicken Bowl (Printable)
Colorful bowl with chicken, quinoa, fresh veggies, plus tangy yogurt dressing—a balanced, energizing meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Protein
01 - 1.1 pounds skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Grains
09 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa (about 7 ounces), cooked according to package instructions
→ Vegetables
10 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 3.5 ounces baby spinach or mixed greens
→ Toppings
14 - 1.75 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
15 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
16 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
→ Dressing
17 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
18 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
19 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - While chicken marinates, cook quinoa in a cooking pot following package instructions. After cooking, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
03 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
04 - Into a small bowl, add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
05 - Evenly divide cooked quinoa among four serving bowls. Top with cooked chicken, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach or greens.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with prepared yogurt dressing. Sprinkled with crumbled feta cheese, seeds, and chopped parsley.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or portion into airtight containers for meal prep and refrigeration.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Quick and simple enough for busy weeknights
- Loaded with over forty grams of protein per serving
- Works perfectly for meal prep without soggy veggies
- Easily adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets
02 -
- High in protein for muscle recovery and long-lasting fullness
- Gluten-free if you stick to quinoa or other certified grains
- Packed with vitamins and minerals for sustained energy
03 -
- Never skip marinating the chicken gives layers of flavor
- Always rinse your quinoa to remove bitter saponins
- For best texture let cooked chicken rest five minutes before slicing