Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa is a wholesome, flavorful meal that comes together easily in a single pan. Juicy chicken cooked in garlic butter pairs perfectly with protein-rich quinoa, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious. Ideal for busy weeknights, it offers a hearty, no-fuss solution with minimal cleanup.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts or thighsgarlicunsalted butterolive oilonionquinoachicken broth (or stock)paprikasaltblack pepperparsley (fresh or dried)lemon juice (optional)

directions

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, reduce heat and add more butter along with the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and soft.

Stir in the quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Nestle the chicken back into the pot, cover, and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and chicken is fully cooked.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, if desired.

Garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Add spinach or kale for a green veggie boost.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for extra richness.

Substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous for a different texture.

Include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked quinoa?

Yes, reduce the broth and cooking time accordingly since the quinoa doesn’t need to cook through.

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work great; thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative.

Is quinoa healthier than rice?

Quinoa is higher in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or peas work well.

Does this dish work for meal prep?

Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it a great choice for prepping ahead.

Can I cook this in a rice cooker?

If your rice cooker has a sauté function and cooks evenly, it may work—just monitor liquid levels closely.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it during the searing step; it will finish cooking with the quinoa.

Should I rinse the quinoa?

Yes, rinsing removes its natural bitterness and ensures better flavor.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just verify broth and seasonings to be sure.

Conclusion

One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Quinoa is a delicious, comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and rich garlic butter flavor in one pan. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the family on a busy night, it’s a practical, nutritious, and flavorful choice you’ll turn to again and again.