Ingredients
For this simple yet delicious recipe, you’ll need a handful of ingredients. They are easy to find and don’t require any complicated prep work.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Choose a whole rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store or use leftover chicken from a previous meal.
- Quinoa: You can choose between white, red, or black quinoa, depending on your preference. Make sure to rinse it before cooking.
- Vegetables: A mix of your favorite vegetables adds crunch and nutrition. Options like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes work well.
- Avocado: Avocado gives a creamy texture and a burst of healthy fats.
- Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil to toss with the veggies and quinoa.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice can brighten the entire bowl.
- Fresh Herbs: A handful of cilantro or parsley adds freshness to the dish.
- Spices and Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile.
How to Make the Rotisserie Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
Now, let’s walk through the simple steps of making this mouthwatering bowl. It’s quick, straightforward, and absolutely delicious.
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
The first step is cooking the quinoa. Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitter residue. After rinsing, add the quinoa to a pot with water—use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Once cooked, remove the quinoa from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 2: Shred or Chop the Rotisserie Chicken
While the quinoa is cooking, it’s time to focus on the rotisserie chicken. If you’re using a whole chicken, remove the skin and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this step is even quicker—just grab the chicken and get to work!
Pro Tip: Save any leftover chicken bones for homemade stock. It’s an easy way to make use of every part of the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
This is where you can get creative with your bowl. Chop up a variety of fresh veggies—cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions are great options. If you prefer, you can also use roasted vegetables for an added depth of flavor. Lightly drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to bring everything together.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Once the quinoa is cooked, start assembling your bowl. Place a generous serving of quinoa at the base of your bowl. Then, layer on the rotisserie chicken, followed by the prepared vegetables. Add avocado slices for a creamy touch and finish it off with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Step 5: Dress It Up
To enhance the flavors, drizzle your bowl with a simple dressing. You can make a quick dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, or if you prefer something more robust, a tahini or yogurt-based dressing works wonders.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once your bowl is assembled, take a moment to admire your creation—it’s a colorful, nutrient-packed meal that’s ready to be devoured. Grab a fork and dig in!
Conclusion
The rotisserie chicken and quinoa bowl is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick, nutritious, and satisfying meals. It’s simple, versatile, and offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or preparing for the week ahead with some easy meal prep, this dish ticks all the boxes.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a meal that’s not only good for you but also delicious and easy to make? So, grab that rotisserie chicken, cook up some quinoa, and enjoy a bowl of goodness that will fuel you for hours.
