Spiced Chicken and Quinoa Bowl

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

A vibrant dish combining tender spiced chicken, fluffy quinoa, and a medley of roasted vegetables, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken breast, quinoa, bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss bell peppers and zucchini with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and charred.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, season with paprika, cumin, remaining salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.
  3. Step 3: Cook quinoa in a pot of boiling salted water for 15 minutes, then drain. In a bowl, mix quinoa, roasted vegetables, and chicken. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and garnish with chopped garlic.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chicken and Quinoa Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Spiced 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Chicken and Quinoa Bowl vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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