Monday, February 18, 2013

spicy chicken and quinoa skillet

I finally did it.

I took the plunge and jumped on the quinoa bandwagon.

I had been debating it for some time...
Is it worth trying when you live with the pickiest eater on Earth?
Is it really as versatile as everyone says?

But yesterday, as I was making a quick run to Costco to buy apples {$10 for 10 pounds!}, a huge display of quinoa had been set up right next to the fruit section.
So obviously, I took it as a sign.

I wanted to start off with a dish that wouldn't freak Joe out too much.

When he saw me bring it in, he immediately said "what is this, it looks like bird food!"

Off to a good start, clearly.

After the dinner I came up with though, I think he's been converted.
As have I!

This was super easy to throw together, and the quinoa was the perfect substitute for rice.
Honestly, I could barely tell the difference with all of the other flavors going on.


Things you'll need:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can Rotel
3 medium sized chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
1 cup frozen sweet corn
1/2 shredded fiesta blend cheese {or any shredded cheese of your liking!}
dash of salt
dash of cayenne
pepper, to taste
cumin, to taste
chili powder, to taste

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.

2. While quinoa is cooking, boil chicken breasts for approximately 15 minutes.  Shred and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, and pepper.

3. To skillet, add cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, Rotel, corn, and cheese.  Sprinkle salt, cayenne, and add more pepper, cumin, and chili powder until you reach desired taste.  We like things on the spicy side, so I added a lot of spice.

*Note: If mixture is a little thick, just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up a bit.  I had to do this because it seemed a little heavy after adding the cheese, and it worked like a charm!

4. Serve on chips, in tortillas, or just in a bowl! {We went with the latter, and it was great all by itself.}


That's literally it!
Easiest dinner ever.

I threw this together in 20 minutes and was back on the couch in time for the Amazing Race premier.

Which reminds me, I've got my eye on you, Bora Bora.
One day you and I will meet.
Mark my words.

Oh and ps:
Joe agreed that this dinner should be added to the rotation.
So that really says it all, in my opinion.

Have you made anything interesting with quinoa lately?
I need all the tips I can get!

2 comments:

  1. "It looks like bird food!" haha Joe would say that! I LOVE QUINOA!! Like an unhealthy amount of love. lol Brian and I eat it ALL the time! Quinoa burgers (or "cakes"), stir fry, cold salads, soups, there's so many recipes! Thanks for this one, looks delish! I may have to make it tonight since I got stuck with cooking :/

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    1. I need you to give me some ideas on what to do with it now that I have a 4 lb bag of it haha! I made a stir fry last night and it was good, but not as good as this skillet recipe. Give me a soup recipe!

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