Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this Chicken Quinoa Fried Rice! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with tender chicken and colorful vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this Asian-inspired recipe is not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking: Dice the cooked chicken into small, uniform cubes. Chop green onions finely. Measure out mixed vegetables and have them ready. Beat eggs in a small bowl.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beaten eggs and scramble quickly, breaking into small pieces. Remove eggs and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil if needed. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add diced cooked chicken to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the pan and mix well with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Return scrambled eggs to the pan and gently fold into the quinoa mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure everything is heated thoroughly and flavors are well combined.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your Chicken Quinoa Fried Rice!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, cook your quinoa and chicken in advance. Store them in the fridge, and when you're ready to cook, everything will be ready to go!
- Use Fresh Veggies: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh mixed vegetables. You can use a combination of carrots, peas, and corn, or even add bell peppers and broccoli for extra crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. If you can, use toasted sesame oil for an even more robust taste.
- Scramble Eggs Separately: Scrambling the eggs separately ensures they remain fluffy and prevents them from overcooking. This way, you can fold them in gently at the end for a perfect finish.
- Adjust the Soy Sauce: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce. Start with less and add more as needed to achieve your desired flavor.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget the chopped green onions! They add a fresh crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Make it Your Own: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to add other proteins like shrimp or tofu, or throw in some spices like ginger or garlic for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 266kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 94mg
