
Warm Tamarind Paprika Chicken Bowl with Toasted Quinoa, Warm Apple Slaw, and Creamy Tahini Lime Dressing
A complete and original lunch bowl featuring juicy chicken glazed with tamarind and paprika, toasted quinoa with onion, a warm cabbage and apple slaw, and a creamy tahini lime dressing that ties everything together.
Ingredients
- 600 g diced chicken breast (skinless)
- 180 g quinoa (enjuagada)
- 480 ml water (for cocer the quinoa)
- 250 g thinly sliced green cabbage
- 180 g red apple cut into thin matchsticks
- 100 g sliced red onion
- 45 g tamarind paste
- 30 ml honey
- 8 g sweet paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 12 g minced garlic
- 2 piece lime (juice and a poco of zest)
- 60 g tahini
- 120 g plain yogurt
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 15 g chopped parsley
- 35 g toasted sunflower seeds
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a medium saucepan, toast the quinoa over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 480 ml (2 cups) water and 1/2 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat, let rest for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.
- 2
2. While the quinoa cooks, combine the chicken, tamarind paste, honey, sweet paprika, cumin, half of the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- 3
3. In a small bowl, make the dressing by mixing the tahini, plain yogurt, the juice of the other lime, 2 to 3 tablespoons water, a little lime zest, and a pinch of salt until creamy and pourable.
- 4
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the red onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the green cabbage, apple, and remaining garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the cabbage softens slightly but still keeps some texture. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove and keep warm.
- 5
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly glazed. If using a thermometer, the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.
- 6
6. To serve, divide the quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with the chicken, the warm cabbage-apple mixture, and drizzle with the tahini lime dressing.
- 7
7. Finish each serving with chopped parsley and toasted sunflower seeds. Serve immediately while warm.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes if you have time. Do not overcook the apple so it keeps a fresh, lightly crisp contrast.
Substitutions
You can swap the quinoa for cooked brown rice. Green cabbage can be replaced with red cabbage. If you do not have honey, use maple syrup. For a dairy-free version, replace the yogurt with unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt and skip any extra sweetener if the substitute is already sweetened.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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