Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers with Quinoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in smoky paprika and garlic, served with fluffy quinoa and roasted cherry tomatoes. This middle eastern-inspired sheet pan (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bell peppers, quinoa for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken and bell pepper halves onto skewers. Brush with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill for 10 minutes, then rotate and cook 5 more minutes until chicken is half-cooked through (internal temperature 130°F).
  3. Step 3: Cook quinoa in boiling water for 15 minutes. Toss cherry tomatoes with 1/2 tsp salt and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until charred. Serve skewers with quinoa and tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers with Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers with Quinoa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers with Quinoa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers with Quinoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers with Quinoa vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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