One-Pan Southwest Chicken & Quinoa: Your 30-Minute Healthy Dinner Solution
After a wonderfully busy holiday weekend, filled with laughter and loved ones, I’m sure many of you can relate to the delightful chaos that ensues when family gathers. We were thrilled to host a few of my husband’s siblings and his lovely mom. The highlight for my four energetic boys, however, was undoubtedly the arrival of their aunt’s adorable golden doodle puppy! It was pure joy watching them, utterly captivated and completely obsessed with this fluffy, playful addition to our gathering. The puppy, with his boundless energy and charming antics, truly stole the show and left a lasting impression on my little ones.
This morning, as I walked my boys to school, a familiar scene unfolded that reminded me of their recent puppy obsession. They spotted those magical dandelions – you know, the ones with fluffy white seeds just waiting to be blown away? Each boy carefully selected a perfect dandelion, closed their eyes tight, and, with the innocence only children possess, loudly declared their wishes before a big puff. Can you guess what they wished for? Yes, you got it!
Both boys, in unison, wished for a dog! My youngest, with great conviction, even specified a “husky,” despite likely having no idea what a husky truly is or looks like. Their fervent desire has since filled our home with endless discussions about canine companions, specific breeds, and puppy names.
And while my heart melts at their earnest wishes, a small part of me sighs at the thought of adding another responsibility to our already packed schedule. Lately, our family calendar resembles a complex puzzle, meticulously pieced together with baseball practices, basketball games, intense jiu-jitsu sessions, refreshing swim lessons, melodious piano lessons, and an ever-growing pile of homework. Each day is a race against the clock, juggling school runs, extracurricular activities, and, of course, the ever-present challenge of getting a nutritious dinner on the table. It’s a joyful whirlwind, but undeniably a busy one, making efficient meal solutions more of a necessity than a luxury.
Indeed, “busy” feels like an understatement these days. The early evening hours, especially, transform our home into a hub of coordinated chaos. I find myself constantly on the go, shuttling kids to and from various activities, all while simultaneously trying to conjure up a wholesome and appealing dinner. This daily juggling act has led me to discover and deeply appreciate the magic of one-pan and one-pot meals. They aren’t just a convenience; they’re a true game-changer for maintaining sanity and providing healthy food for my family.
The beauty of a one-pan meal lies in its elegant simplicity. Imagine this: you gather your fresh ingredients, toss them all into a single pan, cover, and let the flavors meld and cook together. Suddenly, dinner is not a daunting multi-step process but a seamless, hands-off experience. There’s no need for an array of mixing bowls, chopping boards, or multiple pots cluttering the stovetop. Forget about endless oven transfers or the complicated timing required for separate components. With a one-pan meal, everything cooks harmoniously, resulting in a cohesive, flavorful dish with remarkably minimal effort. This approach not only saves precious time during the busiest part of the day but also drastically cuts down on cleanup, leaving you with more moments to connect with your family or simply relax after a demanding day.
To elevate the convenience of one-pan cooking even further, I often turn to pantry staples, especially canned ingredients. The ability to grab pre-chopped, pre-cooked, or perfectly preserved items from the “cantry” shaves off significant preparation time, allowing me to transform ingredients into a delicious meal in record time. Canned foods are truly unsung heroes in the kitchen, enabling families to consistently put healthy, flavorful meals on the table more frequently, even amidst the most hectic schedules. They offer a simple solution for reducing food waste and ensuring you always have essential components for a nutritious dinner readily available.
Speaking of canned foods, did you know that February is dedicated as National Canned Food Month? It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the value and versatility these humble items bring to our kitchens. This month, your local Pavilions is joining in the celebration, highlighting the benefits of a well-stocked pantry. Thinking of your pantry as a “cantry” – a dedicated space for your canned goods – can inspire countless nutritious and incredibly flavorful dishes that you’ll feel proud to serve your loved ones. The unwavering seal of a can acts as a natural lock, guaranteeing the preservation of freshness, peak flavor, and vital nutrition. This unparalleled convenience and reliability are qualities that few other packaging types can consistently offer, making canned goods an indispensable part of efficient home cooking. Indeed, culinary success is often just a “can on hand” away – a little kitchen humor for you!
Now, let’s circle back to the star of today’s feature: the incredible One-Pan Southwest Chicken & Quinoa recipe. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor packed into this deceptively simple dish! From the moment you start prepping to the instant it’s ready to serve, you’re looking at approximately 30-35 minutes – an absolute dream for busy weeknights. This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a vibrant, satisfying experience brimming with the bold, aromatic spices of the Southwest. Every spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an instant family favorite.
Beyond its speed and incredible taste, this One-Pan Southwest Chicken & Quinoa recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with dietary sensitivities. With lean chicken breast and wholesome quinoa as its foundation, it boasts an impressive amount of high-quality protein, essential for energy and muscle repair. The addition of black beans and corn further boosts its fiber content, contributing to a feeling of fullness and supporting digestive health. This combination creates a balanced, hearty, and healthy meal that you can truly feel good about serving. And the best part? Absolutely everything comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your enjoyment!
Is there anything quite as universally appealing as a well-executed Southwest chicken dish? For me, the answer is a resounding no! I have a profound love for all things Southwestern – the smoky chili, the earthy cumin, the bright cilantro, and the hearty beans. This particular recipe captures all those beloved elements and more, transforming them into a dish that is utterly irresistible. It’s a culinary journey you truly don’t want to miss. If you’re searching for an effortlessly delicious, healthy, and quick dinner solution, look no further. Make this One-Pan Southwest Chicken & Quinoa a regular in your dinner rotation, and prepare to be convinced by its unmatched ease and fantastic flavor.
One Pan Southwest Chicken & Quinoa Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken breast cutlets
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Onion Salt to taste
- Garlic Powder to taste
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth one 15-oz can and 1/4 cup from another can
- 1 cup quinoa washed and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15.25-oz can corn, drained
- 1 1.5-oz package taco seasoning
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
Optional Toppings:
- chopped tomatoes
- chopped cilantro
- chopped green onions
- anything else you like!
Instructions
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Season the raw chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, onion salt and garlic powder.
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Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large (approx. 4 quart) pan. Heat chicken, searing both sides, until almost cooked through. Take chicken out of pan and place on a plate; set aside.
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Add chicken broth to pan and scrape bottom to get the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add in washed quinoa, black beans, corn, taco seasoning and cumin. Stir to combine.
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Add chicken. Heat to boiling. Turn down to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir and recover. Cook for 5-10 minutes longer, or more until chicken is cooked through (165ºF), quinoa is cooked and broth is gone.
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Take pan off heat and top with desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more easy one pot dishes? Try these too:
One-Pot Easy Lasagna Soup
One Pot Turkey Skillet
One Pot Mac & Beef
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pavilions. The opinions and text are all mine.