Grilled Chicken and Avocado Quinoa Pilaf

This colorful dish combines lean protein from grilled chicken with fiber-rich quinoa and healthy fats from avocado to keep you energized and full.

Ingredients

Calories next to each ingredient are for that ingredient across the whole recipe (4 servings), not per serving.

• 2 tablespoons fresh or bottled lemon juice · 7 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped · 1 kcal in the whole recipe
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 medium avocado, cut into chunks · 198 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided) · 99 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) · 514 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1 large red bell pepper · 37 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped · 24 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1 clove garlic, minced · 3 kcal in the whole recipe
• 3 cups water
• 3 teaspoons low-sodium chicken bouillon · 16 kcal in the whole recipe
• 1 1/2 cups red quinoa, uncooked · 741 kcal in the whole recipe

Method

1. In a medium bowl, toss the avocado chunks with the lemon juice, fresh basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, then set aside.

   

2. Brush the chicken breasts and whole red bell pepper with half of the olive oil, salt, and the remaining black pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and the pepper is charred, then slice both into thin strips.

   

3. While grilling, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

   

4. Stir the water, chicken bouillon, and red quinoa into the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.

   

5. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large serving bowl, gently fold in the grilled chicken, sliced peppers, and seasoned avocado, and serve warm.

   

Adapted from a USDA MyPlate Kitchen recipe (public domain). Portions, macros, diet checks and step photos by Besly.