Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl
If you’re on the lookout for a nutritious yet satisfying meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious, look no further than this Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl! Packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies, this bowl is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, it brings all the flavors of your favorite burrito right into a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, roasted butternut squash, and hearty quinoa makes it a wholesome dish that will keep you fueled throughout your day. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can create your own perfect burrito bowl at home!
Why It Works Every Time
The Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile; you can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Second, the balance of protein from the chicken and fiber from the quinoa and veggies ensures that you’ll feel full and satisfied. Third, it’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Finally, the combination of spices and flavors creates a dish that’s bursting with taste without adding unnecessary calories.
What’s in the Bowl
This Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is made up of wholesome ingredients that come together to provide a nutritious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 skinless chicken thighs, cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large butternut squash, cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taco seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can of corn, drained
- 4 cups prepared quinoa or a combination of quinoa and other grains
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons salsa ranchera
Tools & Equipment Needed
To whip up this delightful bowl, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
- Cutting board – for chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp knife – to make prep easier and quicker.
- Medium pot – for cooking quinoa or grains.
- Baking sheet – for roasting the butternut squash.
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
From Start to Finish: Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl
Creating your Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa
Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Set aside.
Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and thighs to the skillet. Season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is heated through and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, black beans, corn, and seasoned chicken. Toss everything together gently to combine.
Step 5: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with the salsa ranchera. This will serve as a creamy, zesty topping for your burrito bowl.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowl
To serve, spoon a generous amount of the quinoa mixture into bowls. Top with a dollop of the yogurt sauce and more salsa ranchera if desired. Feel free to garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for an extra burst of flavor!
Fresh Takes Through the Year
One of the best things about the Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to keep it fresh throughout the year:
- Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers in the summer or Brussels sprouts in the fall.
- Incorporate different grains such as farro or barley for a unique texture.
- Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or sautéed tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Change the sauce by using a spicy chipotle sauce or a zesty lime vinaigrette.
What I Learned Testing
- Cooking the chicken with taco seasoning adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish feel indulgent without being heavy.
- Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, which balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream reduces calories while adding protein.
- Meal prepping this bowl in advance makes it a convenient option for busy days.
Prep Ahead & Store
This Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is perfect for meal prepping! Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the quinoa and chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
- Keep the yogurt sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its creamy texture.
- Consider freezing the quinoa mixture for longer storage; just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl Q&A
Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the chicken with black beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Yes! You can mix in grains like brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, a spicy salsa, or some red pepper flakes to the mix.
What can I serve with the burrito bowl?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. By combining wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bowl is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa - Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside.
- Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken - In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and thighs to the skillet. Season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Combine the Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, black beans, corn, and seasoned chicken. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce - In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with the salsa ranchera. This will serve as a creamy, zesty topping for your burrito bowl.
- Step 6: Assemble the Bowl - Spoon a generous amount of the quinoa mixture into bowls. Top with a dollop of the yogurt sauce and more salsa ranchera if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for extra flavor!
Notes
- Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the quinoa and chicken mixture before serving.
- Keep the yogurt sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its creamy texture.
