Fresh Juicy Zesty Protein Packed

Lightened Up Lemon Parmesan Chicken Quinoa Skillet: A Quick, Healthy, Family-Friendly Meal

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dish that serves up big flavor without the guilt, you’ve found it! This Lightened Up Lemon Parmesan Chicken Quinoa Skillet not only brings together tender chicken and fluffy quinoa, but it’s also packed with nutrition. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a wholesome meal that even the kids will love.

Why choose this zesty twist on chicken and quinoa? It’s not just about being healthy; it’s about the joy of a cozy family dinner where everyone can dig in and enjoy. With lemon’s bright flavor and the creamy goodness of Parmesan, you’re going to want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation!

Lightened Up Lemon Parmesan Chicken Quinoa Skillet

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A quick, healthy skillet meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and zesty lemon flavor, perfect for family dinners.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low-Carb

Ingredients

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• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Pound Gold’n Plump Boneless, Skinless Chicken Fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 Cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 Cup rinsed quinoa
• 1 1/2 Cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 Cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 Cups baby spinach
• 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan Asiago cheese
• 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the chicken and minced garlic, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook for an additional minute.
4. Carefully add the rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, stirring occasionally.
5. Fold in spinach, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest. Cover and rest off heat for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the mixture with a fork and serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Can be made with shrimp or tofu for variations.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Cooking Up Some Comfort: Lightened Up Lemon Parmesan Chicken Quinoa Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Pound Gold’n Plump Boneless, Skinless Chicken Fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 Cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 Cup rinsed quinoa
• 1 1/2 Cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 Cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 Cups baby spinach
• 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan Asiago cheese
• 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon zest

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium, and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
2. Toss in the chicken and minced garlic, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned, which should take around 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and let it cook for an additional minute.
4. Carefully add the rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remember to stir a couple of times to prevent sticking.
5. Fold in the baby spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest. Cover, take off the heat, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6. After resting, remove the cover and fluff the mixture with a fork. Serve it up warm, topped with extra Parmesan and lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy those lovely leftovers too by storing them in the fridge!

Serving Suggestions for Your Zesty Dish

This one-skillet wonder is perfect on its own but also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Serve it at the dinner table, and watch the smiles unfold with every tasty bite.

Storing Your Scrumptious Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will hold their flavor for 3-4 days in the fridge, making for a quick lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

Tips for the Perfect Quinoa Skillet

• Don’t skip the stirring during cooking; it keeps the quinoa from sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more color and nutrition!
• Adjust the seasoning to your family’s taste; a bit of cayenne pepper could bring a fun kick!

Fun Variations

Feel free to experiment with other proteins if chicken isn’t your favorite. Shrimp or tofu can be fantastic substitutes, and they’ll soak up all that lemony goodness beautifully! Additionally, switch out the spinach for kale or any greens you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version.

2. Is quinoa difficult to cook? Not at all! Quinoa is easy to cook and usually doesn’t require much attention. Just make sure to rinse it well before cooking.

3. Can I freeze this dish? Yes! You can freeze portions for later. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container for the best results.

Enjoy bringing this bright and delectable dish to your family table! It’s an easy, healthy, and comforting solution for busy weeknights, and I’m sure it will quickly become a family favorite, just like it has in mine. Happy cooking!