We all have those nights where we have to get dinner on the table with minimal effort and fuss but we still want something tasty and healthy. Chicken is a godsend for weeknight meals and loved by pretty much everyone. Add nutty quinoa ( perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivity) , smoky poblanos and sweet corn all in one skillet and we’ve got one winner winner of a chicken dinner. This Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Skillet healthy, delicious and on the table in under 30 minutes.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa has been grown in the Andes for over 5000 years ( The Incas refer to quinoa as “the mother of all grains”) and has only recently become popular in American kitchens. This ancient grain is lauded for it’s health benefits; high in fiber, gluten free and a complete plant based protein quinoa has certainly earned it’s “superfood” status. If that wasn’t enough quinoa is quick cooking and tasty.
I came up with this dish after having some chile rellenos stuffed with spiced chicken and quinoa. I absolutely loved the flavor combo but when it comes to weeknight dinner I don’t always have time to cook multiple components, stuff peppers and then cook them again. If I can get the same flavors using just one dish and getting dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes you can bet I’m going that route.
In addition to chicken and quinoa I also opted to channel some of the flavors of rajas con crema, a popular Mexican side dish of roasted poblanos in a cream sauce. Add in a bunch of sweet corn and you’ve got a healthy, quick dinner that everyone will love.
How to Make Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet
Using just one pan this disk couldn’t be easier to make. Start by sauteing up some chopped poblanos ( bell peppers also work well if that’s what you’ve got ) until they get a nice char and then add some chicken and cook a few minutes until browned. Now it’s time for the quinoa and chicken broth along with one of my favorite quick meal ingredients – salsa! Salsa is packed with flavor ( you can use your favorite jarred salsa or make a batch of my roasted tomato and green onion salsa ) and chances are you’ve got a jar in your fridge right now. When the quinoa is almost done cooking add in the sweet corn (corn only needs a few minutes to cook through, even if you use frozen corn) and stir in a bit of cream cheese to make this dish nice and creamy ( this dish is just as tasty if you don’t want to add the cream cheese, you do you) . This Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet is delicious and on the table in minutes, what’s not to love?
If you like this Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet take a look at some of my other other recipes!
Chicken with Rice, Leeks and Mushrooms
One Skillet Caprese Orzo with Shrimp
Creamy Chicken and Poblano Soup (from Salt and Sprinkles)
Chicken Rogan Josh (from Jack Slobodian)
If you make this Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 poblano peppers seeded and chopped
- 1 pound chicken breast chopped
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
- salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp cream cheese optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook poblano peppers 2-3 minutes. Add chopped chicken breast and brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add quinoa, chicken broth, salsa, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until liquid is mostly absorbed. Add corn and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese if desired and divide among 4 plates to serve.
Jessica says
I love cooking in cast-iron!! This sounds so simple and delcisous. I definitely see myself making this in the future.
Joanna says
Sounds delicious and not too spicy for kiddos. I’ll definitely try it. I love every ingredient in this dish just never put them all together. Thank you!
Paolo Paolo says
I love quinoa, so high in protein! Will try your Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet recipe tomorrow!
Farrah says
I haven’t made anything using quinoa for a while, but I need to start again (yay for protein)–this looks so good!
Sabine says
This fast and easy meals looks so delicious. Love the combination of ingredients and flavours.
Peter says
LOVE that you used quinoa in this recipe. This is really easy to make, and despite the “few” ingredients, it packs a ton of flavor. Delicious.