High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl

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

A nutrient-dense bowl combining lean chicken breast, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant vegetables to fuel your body and support muscle growth. This mediterranean-inspired high protein (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breast, quinoa, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil, add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz chicken breast diced into 1-inch pieces, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper to the skillet with chicken, sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the pepper softens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup baby spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: To serve, spoon cooked quinoa into a bowl and top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine all flavors.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Power 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Chicken and Quinoa Power 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 Power Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Power Bowl gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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