CAJUN BLACKENED CHICKEN WITH SUPERGREEN QUINOA

Cajun blackened chicken with supergreen quinoa image

Spicy griddled chicken breasts are served with quinoa packed with herbs, pomegranate and colourful vegetables for a tasty and nutritious meal

Provided by James Collins - Performance nutritionist

Categories Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts (about 120g each)
generous pinch of Cajun spice
2 tbsp olive oil
160g quinoa
1 red chilli , deseeded and sliced
20g spring onions , chopped
100g baby spinach leaves
small pack mint , roughly chopped
small pack coriander , roughly chopped
20g pomegranate seeds
40g edamame beans
30g Peppadew peppers
100g beetroot (not in vinegar), sliced
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
50g feta , cut into cubes
80g mango , cut into chunks
lemon zest , to serve (optional)
sesame seeds , to serve (optional)
lime wedges, to serve (optional)

Steps:

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Rub the chicken with the Cajun seasoning until coated. Heat a heavy-based griddle pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Add the chicken and colour on both sides. Transfer the chicken to a baking tray and bake for 20-25 mins or until cooked.
Meanwhile, boil a saucepan of water. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then put in the pan. Cook for 15 mins, then drain in a sieve. 3 In a food processor, add nearly all the chilli, spring onions (reserve some of each to serve), the spinach, mint and coriander, and blend to a smooth purée.
Add the purée to the quinoa and mix well. Add the remaining ingredients, except the chicken, and combine well. Season to taste. Divide the quinoa mix over 2 plates, top each with chicken and serve sprinkled with the lemon zest, sesame seeds, reserved chilli and spring onions and lime wedges, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 531 calories, Fat 12 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 54 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 14 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 49 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium