High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Bowl

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

A protein-rich dish featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, avocado, and a zesty tahini-lime dressing for a satisfying, balanced meal. This middle eastern-inspired chicken (high-protein, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, quinoa, (diced) avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Season chicken with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Cook 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  2. Step 2: In a pot, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk tahini, lime juice, honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Gradually add water until dressing is pourable. Toss quinoa with avocado, cucumber, red onion, and dressing. Top with chicken and serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Bowl?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Bowl?

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 High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Bowl 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 High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Bowl high-protein?

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

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