Best Spicy Cajun Chicken Quinoa Recipes

CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN WITH QUINOA

Steps:

• Melt the coconut oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 mins or until they start to soften.
• Increase the heat to high and add the chicken along with the Cajun seasoning. Fry for 3-4 mins more or until the chicken is cooked. (Check by slicing into one of the larger pieces to make sure the meat is white all the way through, with no raw pink bits.)
• Microwave your quinoa following pack instructions. Stir the remaining ingredients through the quinoa, then pile onto a plate and top with the chicken and pepper mix.

CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ZESTY QUINOA

Steps:

• Combine Cajun seasoning mix (my homemade mix is the best!) with olive oil and brush on both sides of the chicken thighs. You can let it marinate for an hour or more, or grill it immediately.
• Grill over medium-high heat until almost cooked through, then turn and continue cooking on the other side until done. The chicken pieces should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. when measured with a meat thermometer. It's sometimes hard to overcook chicken thighs, unlike chicken breasts which can become dry and stringy.
• Prefer to bake? Just follow the directions in #1 above, then arrange in a baking dish instead of grilling. Roast in the oven at 400° for about 20 minutes or until the thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. when measured with an instant-read thermometer. If they are not ready, continue baking and checking the temperature every 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the quinoa. Once cooked, transfer to a serving dish and top with Cajun Chicken Thighs. Garnish with fresh oregano, if desired.
• Measure 1 cup quinoa into a strainer. Rinse it under cool running water to remove the natural coating, called saponin, that can make quinoa taste soapy. Add the quinoa, zest of 1 lime, 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt to the pressure cooker bowl.Close and lock the lid. Press Manual, then use the + or - button and choose 1 minute pressure cooking time. When it beeps, use the 10-Minute Natural Release method to allow the quinoa to continue cooking in the residual steam and heat. Let the Instant Pot go into "Keep Warm" mode and set a household timer for 10 minutes. Then press Cancel and turn the steam release handle on the lid to the "Venting" position. Open the lid once the steam has been released. Add the juice of one lime and extra salt, if desired. Fluff with a fork.
• Measure 1 cup quinoa into a strainer. Rinse it under cool running water to remove the natural coating, called saponin, that can make quinoa taste soapy. Add the quinoa, zest of 1 lime, 1 3/4 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan.Cover and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, covered, for 15 minutes.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes, covered. Then stir in the juice of one lime and extra salt to taste. Fluff with a fork.

CHICKEN QUINOA BOWL

Steps:

• Cook the red quinoa according to the package instructions. Stir in the lime zest and juice, a pinch of cilantro and a pinch of salt. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat a grill for cooking at medium heat.
• Drizzle the chicken breasts with the olive oil and sprinkle all over with the taco seasoning and a pinch of salt. Grill until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.
• Build the bowls by splitting the quinoa between two bowls. Slice the chicken breasts and place around the edges of the bowls. Continuing around the outside of each bowl, add the Roasted Corn Salsa and sliced avocado. Crumble the queso fresco on top and add a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with the remaining cilantro, lime wedges and a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Toss the corn, cherry tomatoes, onion and pimientos in a bowl. Add the lime juice, cilantro and salt. Toss and set aside.

SPICY CAJUN CHICKEN QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the chicken with the Cajun spice and arrange in a single layer in a roasting tin. Bake for 20 mins until the chicken is cooked. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, cook the quinoa in the chicken stock for 15 mins until tender, adding the apricots and lentils for the final 5 mins. Drain and place into a large bowl with the chicken, toss together.
• While the quinoa is cooking, heat the oil in a large frying pan and soften the onions for 10-15 mins. Toss the onions into the quinoa with the coriander and some seasoning, then mix well.

CHICKEN AND QUINOA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 4 minutes.
• Stir in the quinoa, then add the chicken broth, 3 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Partially cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the quinoa starts to soften, about 12 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook, uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and stir to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the sour cream and Cajun seasoning to taste.

CHICKEN QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes. , For dressing, place remaining water, yogurt, mayonnaise, chili sauce and cheese in a small food processor or blender. Cover; process until blended., In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse cooked quinoa with cold water; drain well. In a bowl, toss quinoa with cucumber, parsley, green onions, oil, lemon juice and Greek seasoning. Top with chicken, tomato and dressing.

QUINOA CHICKEN

Steps:

• Bring chicken broth and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic in hot oil until onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add ground chicken and break into small pieces while cooking until completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Stir cooked quinoa and diced tomatoes into the chicken mixture; bring to a simmer and cook long enough for the flavors to meld, about 10 minutes more.