Name: Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa: 5 Delicious Benefits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 large yellow onion, diced; 1 medium green pepper, diced; 8 oz. white mushrooms, diced; 1.5 teaspoons sea salt, separated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup white quinoa; 3 cups marinara sauce (24 oz.); 1 cup chicken broth; 2.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 2.5 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1 large egg; 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

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Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa is a delightful twist on the traditional chicken parmesan dish. It combines tender chicken, protein-packed quinoa, and rich marinara sauce into a comforting casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients. Let’s dive into this nutritious and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa

This nutritious Chicken Parmesan Quinoa dish offers several benefits that make it a standout choice for dinner. First, it’s a low-calorie Chicken Parmesan Quinoa option, with each serving containing only **350 calories**. Second, it’s loaded with protein, thanks to the chicken and quinoa, making it a high-protein Chicken Parmesan Quinoa meal that will keep you full. Third, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, which means you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Fourth, it’s a gluten-free Chicken Parmesan Quinoa option, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Fifth, this dish is versatile and can easily be made into a Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bowl for a fun twist. Finally, it’s ideal for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy families looking for healthy dinner ideas.

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
8 oz. white mushrooms, diced
1.5 teaspoons sea salt, separated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup white quinoa
3 cups marinara sauce (24 oz.)
1 cup chicken broth
2.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
2.5 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 large egg
1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

How to Make Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, and mushrooms; cook until softened.
Step 2: Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Add quinoa, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and flour; mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Stir in 1 cup of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and the egg until combined.
Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
For a healthier twist on Chicken Parmesan with Quinoa, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta sauces.
Try adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
This recipe is an excellent choice for a simple Chicken Parmesan Quinoa dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Best Ways to Serve Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa

There are many ways to enjoy this dish. Serve it hot from the oven as a comforting meal or let it cool and pack it into Chicken Parmesan Quinoa meal prep containers for lunch the next day. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also top it with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This makes it an excellent choice for Chicken Parmesan Quinoa meal prep, ensuring you have healthy meals ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa

What’s the secret to perfect Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa?

The key to perfect Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa lies in not overcooking the quinoa. It should be fluffy and slightly chewy, adding texture to the dish. Using high-quality marinara sauce will enhance the overall flavor as well.

Can I make Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving for a warm, comforting meal. This is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately. Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Lastly, feel free to adjust seasoning to your taste for a healthy twist on Chicken Parmesan with Quinoa.

Variations of Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to consider:

Swap the chicken for turkey for a leaner option.
Use a mix of quinoa and brown rice for a different texture.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils.
Add different vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for variety.

Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa: 5 Delicious Benefits - Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage for a hearty meal. If you’re looking for something sweet, Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a must-try!

For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, you can visit Healthline.

Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa: 5 Delicious Benefits

Author: basmer
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Healthy

Print Recipe

Description

A nutritious and delicious casserole combining chicken, quinoa, and cheese for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, and mushrooms; cook until softened.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add quinoa, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and flour; mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Stir in 1 cup of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and the egg until combined.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining parmesan cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.