Easy One-Pot Chicken Quinoa Stew Bursting With Comfort Flavor

Discover our Easy One-Pot Chicken Quinoa Stew Bursting with Comfort Flavor that’s nutritious, hearty, and simple to make. Perfect for cozy meals any day.

Easy One-Pot Chicken Quinoa Stew Bursting With Comfort Flavor

If you’re looking for a nutritious and hearty meal that’s effortless to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. Our Easy One-Pot Chicken Quinoa Stew Bursting with Comfort Flavor combines tender chicken, wholesome quinoa, and an array of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich broth. This stew is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something cozy yet healthy.

Why You’ll Love It

This chicken quinoa stew is a flavorful one-pot meal that saves on both cooking time and cleanup. You get the protein-packed benefits of chicken and quinoa alongside vitamins from fresh veggies, all in a comforting stew. It’s gluten-free and can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. Plus, it’s deliciously satisfying and ideal for meal prep or feeding a family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces — chicken breasts can be used but thighs stay juicier
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly — can substitute with brown rice if preferred
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth — low sodium recommended
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme — fresh thyme also works
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add quinoa, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
4. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until quinoa is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Check seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

For more wholesome meals, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners and explore hearty classics like Slow Cooker Beef Stew. You can also find additional guidance on cooking quinoa perfectly from the Food Network.

Expert Tips

To ensure your Easy One-Pot Chicken Quinoa Stew Bursting with Comfort Flavor turns out perfectly every time, use chicken thighs for juicier meat and rinse quinoa well to avoid bitterness. Simmer gently and don’t rush the cooking—quinoa needs time to absorb the flavors. Feel free to prep ingredients in advance to save time on busy days.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This stew also freezes well; portion it and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

Variations

• Vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free as quinoa is the grain base.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe requires no dairy, making it perfect for dairy-free diets.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.

FAQ

What makes this recipe an Easy One-Pot Chicken Quinoa Stew Bursting with Comfort Flavor?

This recipe combines simple preparation steps, wholesome ingredients, and one-pot cooking to deliver a delicious, nutrient-packed stew with minimal cleanup, all bursting with comforting and robust flavors.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender, especially in slow-cooked dishes.

How do I store and reheat the stew?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed.

Is quinoa the best grain for this stew?

Quinoa adds a nice texture and protein boost, but you can substitute brown rice or barley if preferred.

Call to Action

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