Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with protein and flavor? Look no further than this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Quinoa Skillet Dinner! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with the nutty goodness of quinoa, all in one skillet. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking to impress at the dinner table, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a wholesome and satisfying meal that your taste buds will thank you for!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rinsed quinoa and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet with toasted quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa has absorbed all liquid.
- While quinoa is cooking, ensure your cooked chicken is shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Once quinoa is tender, add shredded chicken, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat through completely.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a little extra chicken broth or BBQ sauce.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes any bitter coating, ensuring a deliciously nutty flavor in your dish.
- Toast for Flavor: Toasting the quinoa in olive oil for a few minutes before adding the broth enhances its flavor and adds a lovely depth to the dish.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves you time!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love or have on hand, such as bell peppers or spinach, to boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust BBQ Sauce: The amount of BBQ sauce can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more; for a sweeter taste, use less.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish, making it even more appealing.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
