CHICKEN, SWEET POTATO, AND QUINOA STIR-FRY

Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa Stir-Fry image

Provided by Kathy

Time 55m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 (8 ounce) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
cooking spray or 4 teaspoons canola oil
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (pre-grilled if you want to save time)
1 (200 g) onions, chopped
1 -2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 (188 g) red bell peppers, chopped
1 -2 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup low-sodium low-fat chicken broth (optional)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 lime (optional)

Steps:

Chop up all the vegetables. But don't combine them, keep each separate.
Combine water and quinoa in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed. About 12-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the sweet potato into another small saucepan with enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and keep warm. I add them to the cooked quinoa, and cover the pot to keep warm.
Heat a large nonstick frying pan or wok over medium high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or use 2 teaspoons canola oil (or a little chicken broth). Add chicken and cook until it starts to brown, about 4 minutes (If using pre-cooked chicken, heat for just a minute or two). Remove to a bowl and keep warm.
Return frying pan to heat and add more nonstick spray or another 2 teaspoons canola oil or chicken broth. Add onion and jalapeno pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 1 minute. Add bell pepper, garlic and cumin. Continue cooking until veggies soften, about 2-3 minutes. If desired, add 1/2 cup chicken broth to make the dish more moist.
Stir in peas and chicken and cook 2 minutes.
Add quinoa and sweet potato. Cook, stirring often, until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro, salt, black pepper.
Serve with a squeeze of lime juice if desired.