Grilled Chicken and Avocado Quinoa Pilaf

This pilaf recipe pairs avocados and bell peppers with red quinoa and grilled chicken, for a satisfying, colorful meal.

Yield

4 Servings

Serving size

1 serving

Rating

3.82 of 5 (189 ratings)

Food groups

• Grains: 2 ounces
• Protein Foods: 2 ounces
• Vegetables: 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh or bottled lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 avocado, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups water
• 3 teaspoons low-sodium chicken bouillon
• 1 1/2 cups red quinoa, uncooked/dry

Directions

1. Heat grill.
2. Peel and cut avocado into chunks; place in a medium bowl.
3. Mix lemon juice, basil, an 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Drizzle over avocado chunks, toss, and set aside.
5. Cut chicken breasts in half crosswise.
6. Mix 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and remaining black pepper.
7. Brush mixture on chicken and red bell pepper.
8. Grill chicken and pepper until done.
9. Set chicken breasts aside.
10. Cut pepper into thin strips.
11. While chicken and peppers are grilling, heat remaining olive oil in a large pan, add garlic and onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
12. Add water, bouillon, and quinoa to pan; bring to boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is cooked (about 15 to 20 minutes).
13. Place quinoa pilaf in a large bowl and add chicken, red peppers, and avocado.
14. Toss gently.

Nutrition per serving

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve with non-fat milk and orange slices.

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Source

Recipe by: Produce for Better Health Foundation

Published by: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion / SNAP-Ed) on MyPlate Kitchen at https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/grilled-chicken-and-avocado-quinoa-pilaf. Federal works are public domain in the United States.