Recipe Meal Prep: Instant Pot Spicy Chicken with Quinoa
Welcome to another delicious adventure at Easy Peasy Recipe! Today, I’m thrilled to share a personal favorite that’s not only bursting with flavor but also perfect for your meal prep needs. This Instant Pot Spicy Chicken with Quinoa is a dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners, infused with a touch of modern convenience and a spicy twist!
Why This Recipe?
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare, this is the perfect recipe for you. Utilizing the Instant Pot cuts down cooking time significantly, and the combination of spicy chicken and quinoa offers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a nutritious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add olive oil and chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Add the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook option and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid carefully, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
| Nutrient | Quantity per serving | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 30g | Helps in muscle repair and growth |
| Fiber | 5g | Enhances digestive health |
The choice of quinoa not only adds a wonderful texture and nuttiness to this dish but also packs it with fiber and protein, making it incredibly filling and nutritious. The spices, particularly cayenne pepper, are excellent for boosting metabolism, adding not just heat but also increasing the dish’s health benefits.
Tips and Variations
For a vegetarian version, you can easily substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Adjust the spices according to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the sauté phase to make this dish even more wholesome.
Thank you for joining me in making this delightful Instant Pot Spicy Chicken with Quinoa. I hope you enjoy this meal as much as I do, and it becomes a new favorite in your meal prep rotation. For more tasty and easy recipes, keep exploring Easy Peasy Recipe!
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Recipe Meal Prep: Instant Pot Spicy Chicken with Quinoa
Prep time: 30 min
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Calories: 480Kcal
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into pieces,
1 tablespoon olive oil,
2 teaspoons chili powder,
1 teaspoon garlic powder,
1 teaspoon cumin,
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference),
1 cup quinoa, rinsed,
2 cups chicken broth,
Salt and pepper to taste,
Fresh cilantro for garnish,
Instruction :
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add olive oil and chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned. Add the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook option and set the timer for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
