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To make the Cajun Chicken Quinoa Skillet, you will need: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 1 small onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) I always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Look for firm chicken breasts. Avoid any that feel slimy or have a strange smell. Fresh herbs add a lovely touch, so grab parsley that looks bright and green. For quinoa, I recommend using organic if you can. It enhances the taste and is better for you. When it comes to spices, store-bought Cajun seasoning is fine, but I suggest trying homemade if you have time. It usually tastes better and allows you to tweak flavors to your liking. You can make this dish your own! Try adding spinach or kale for more greens. For a kick, toss in some diced jalapeños. If you love cheese, sprinkle some feta or cheddar on top before serving. You can also swap quinoa with rice or farro if you prefer a different grain. The key is to have fun and experiment with flavors you enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 small onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Rinsing the quinoa helps remove bitterness. Dice the onion and peppers into small pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are tender. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This step brings out the flavors of the vegetables. Next, move the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken to the empty space. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, mix everything together in the skillet. Now, stir in the rinsed quinoa. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the liquid and become fluffy. After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley. - Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking. - Stir the quinoa occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking. - Use a lid to trap steam, which helps cook the quinoa evenly. - Allow the dish to rest before serving. This helps the flavors meld. These steps ensure that every bite is tender and full of flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To make your own Cajun seasoning, mix key spices. Use paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. A pinch of thyme and oregano adds depth. Adjust the spice to suit your taste. Add salt to enhance flavors. Store the mix in a jar for later use. This blend can elevate any dish, not just this one. You can add extra ingredients for more flavor. Consider corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes. These ingredients add texture and richness. For a spicy kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños. You can also add a squeeze of lime for brightness. Each addition makes your Cajun chicken quinoa skillet even more delightful. Garnishing your dish can make it shine. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. For creaminess, try a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Crumbled feta cheese brings a salty bite. You might also sprinkle some green onions for crunch. These toppings can transform your meal into a stunning plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Opt for fresh bell peppers and garlic for a more vibrant taste. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend. You can always add more heat later if desired. Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste. Batch Cooking: This recipe is great for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches during the week. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free option, this dish fits the bill. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free too. Check the label to be sure. If you want more flavor, try using homemade broth. It adds depth and is still gluten-free. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, swap the chicken for protein-rich beans. Chickpeas work great here. You can also use tofu for texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. This keeps the flavors rich and satisfying without meat. If you want to switch up the grain, there are plenty of options. Brown rice is a great substitute. It adds a nice chew. You can also try farro or barley. Both grains add a new taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take longer to cook than quinoa. To keep your Cajun chicken quinoa skillet fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. Store it in your fridge for up to three days. If you notice any off smells or colors, it's best to toss it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps to prevent burning and keeps the dish tasty. You can also use a microwave, but cover the dish to retain moisture. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or in cold water for a quicker method. Using thawed chicken helps it cook evenly. If you cook frozen chicken directly, it may take longer to cook through and may not brown well. If you want a substitute for quinoa, try brown rice or couscous. Both grains work well in this dish. Brown rice adds a nutty taste. Couscous cooks faster and has a light texture. Adjust the liquid amount based on the grain you choose. Always check the cooking time for the grain you select. To change the spice level, use less Cajun seasoning. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce when serving for an extra kick. Balancing the spices helps everyone enjoy the meal just right. In this blog, we explored the tasty Cajun Chicken Quinoa Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. You learned how to customize the recipe and make different variations. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Cooking should be fun and simple. Enjoy your flavorful dish and share it with others!

Cajun Chicken Quinoa Skillet

A flavorful and nutritious one-pan dish featuring chicken, quinoa, and vegetables with a spicy Cajun twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until they’re tender (about 4-5 minutes).
  • Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the chicken pieces to the empty space. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, mix it in with the vegetables.
  • Stir in the rinsed quinoa, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes, still covered. Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.
  • Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, healthy, quinoa, skillet