One-Skillet Creamy Chicken Quinoa with Peas
We eat a lot of chicken, there’s no doubt about it. Mainly because there are so many things you can do with it to get a dish that is always different. From just adding some herbs and garlic to curries, pasta and Mexican dishes, the uses for chicken are endless. Just to prove my case, here’s a tasty dish that uses a skillet to make Creamy Chicken Quinoa with Peas – or for me, without the peas as I hate them!
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Why is quinoa a superfood?
Quinoa is a grain and the word is actually pronounced KEEN-wah – took me years to find that out! It is known as a superfood which isn’t a technical term and is often bandied around for all kinds of ingredients. But with quinoa, it does merit it. A few reasons why it is a superfood include:
- More high quality protein than any other grain
- High in fibre – twice as much nearly as other grains
- Whole grain that is naturally gluten free
- Lots of iron to help with health blood cells
- Magnesium to help with health blood sugar control and energy production
- High in riboflavin or B2 that helps with energy production and muscles
How do you eat quinoa?
Another great thing about quinoa is there are loads of ways to eat it. You need one part dry quinoa to two parts liquid for a basic cooking system – pop it in the pan and cook until the water is absorbed, usually around 15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork to separate and serve.
As well as this recipe for skillet chicken quinoa, there are hundreds of ideas of other ways to serve it. You can add it to a salad, make a breakfast porridge with it, mix it with ingredients and form it into an imitation burger, add it in tacos or buddha bowls and bulk up soups by adding it in place of rice or pasta.
In quinoa better for you than rice?
If you are a rice fan but are considering quinoa, one reason to make the switch some of the time is that quinoa is better for you than rice, especially white rice. White rice has a high glycaemic index which means it causes a blood sugar spike (not a good thing) plus it is a refined starch (also not a good thing).
Quinoa has better health benefits than white rice, contains more beneficial nutrients and won’t cause that sugar rush and crash. It also helps with portion control as it makes you feel fuller for longer.
Brown rice is a healthier option than white, so the gap isn’t as large. Brown rice can help with lowering blood pressure, increase potassium levels and help with weight control. So, mixing up meals between the two is a solid approach.
One-Skillet Creamy Chicken Quinoa with Peas
Combine chicken and peas with quinoa for a tasty and easy dinner meal that uses a skillet
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut slices bacon, diced small
- 1 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- ½ t. onion powder
- ½ t. garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 c. white quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 c. chicken broth (stock)
- 1½ c. frozen peas
- ¼ c. half & half (single cream)
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks
- ½ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ c. fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Add the bacon to a large skillet over a medium-high heat and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain excess fat.
Add the pan back on the heat on medium and add the sliced chicken, onion and garlic powders then season. Stir and cook until the chicken is starting to get colour, 2-3 minutes.
Add the quinoa and chicken broth (stock). Increase to high heat and bring to the boil then reduce to medium low and simmer until the chicken and quinoa are thoroughly cooked, usually around 10 minutes.
Uncover and stir in the peas, half and half, cream cheese and half of the Parmesan. Remove from the heat, cover and leave to sit for a couple of minutes while the cheese melts.
Remove the cover, stir in parsley and season if needed then add the rest of the Parmesan and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 521Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 1166mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 51g
