Warm Tamarind Paprika Chicken Bowl with Toasted Quinoa, Warm Apple Slaw, and Creamy Tahini Lime Dressing
🍽️ Lunches
Intermediate

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.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 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

534 kcal
Calories
38 g
Protein
39 g
Carbs
24 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
33 g
Net carbs

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

DairySesame

Instructions

  1. 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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 image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-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
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox 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
    View on Amazon

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