Recipe Overview

This spicy chicken and quinoa power bowl features tender, seasoned chicken breast, fluffy quinoa, and a colorful array of roasted vegetables, all brought together with a zesty, spicy dressing. It’s a nutrient dense protein meal that’s both delicious and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for meal prep, this dish is a testament to how easy high protein meals can be, and it’s a great option for weight loss high protein diets.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25-30 minutes

Cooking Difficulty Easy to Medium

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Spicy Lime Dressing:

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Professional Cooking Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. This provides a great base for protein packed meals.
2. Prepare Chicken: While quinoa is cooking, in a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. These chicken breast recipes high protein are always a hit!
3. Roast Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the broccoli florets, chopped red bell pepper, chopped zucchini, and sliced red onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
4. Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. This is a quick way to prepare lean protein recipes.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), minced garlic, and sriracha or hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This zesty dressing adds a kick to your healthy protein meals.
6. Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among four serving bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, and a generous drizzle of the spicy lime dressing. Enjoy this quick high protein recipe!

Detailed Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

(Note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods. For precise nutrition facts, consider using a dedicated nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.)

This dish is an excellent source of protein rich foods, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a truly nutrient dense protein meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: Instead of chicken, use lean ground turkey, beef, or firm tofu for vegetarian protein recipes or vegan protein recipes. For fish recipes high protein, try baked cod or shrimp.
• Grain Alternatives: Brown rice or farro can be used instead of quinoa for a different texture and nutritional profile.
• Vegetable Swap: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes (if not strictly low-carb focused) for roasting.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha to your preferred heat level. For a milder version, omit the cayenne and use less sriracha.
• Dressing Variations: A creamy avocado dressing or a tahini-based sauce would also pair well with this bowl.

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Meal Prep Master: This is an ideal easy high protein meal for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch of chicken and quinoa, and roast extra vegetables to assemble bowls throughout the week. Store dressing separately.
• Even Cooking: Cut chicken and vegetables into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
• Flavor Boost: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
• Freshness: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in your dressing.

How to Serve

Serve these power bowls warm. They are perfect as a satisfying lunch, a hearty dinner, or a replenishing post workout meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a squeeze of extra lime juice for added brightness.

How to Store

Store leftover chicken, quinoa, and roasted vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the dressing separately. Assemble individual bowls just before eating to maintain freshness and texture. This makes for convenient high protein lunch or high protein dinner options.

Similar Recipes

If you enjoyed this healthy high protein recipe, you might also like:

• High Protein Breakfast options like Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, or scrambled eggs with spinach.
• Low Carb High Protein dishes such as grilled steak with a large green salad.
• Diabetic Friendly High Protein meals focusing on lean meats and non-starchy vegetables.
• Weight Loss High Protein recipes that are filling and help manage cravings.
• Other chicken breast recipes high protein like baked chicken with roasted root vegetables.