Warm Green Quinoa Bowl with Paprika Chicken, Crunchy Cucumber and Lime Yogurt Sauce
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Warm Green Quinoa Bowl with Paprika Chicken, Crunchy Cucumber and Lime Yogurt Sauce

A quick, original bowl featuring broth-cooked quinoa, seared smoked paprika chicken, fresh spinach, crunchy cucumber, and a creamy lime-herb yogurt sauce. Balanced, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes.

12 minPrep
16 minCook
28 minTotal
4Servings
High ProteinDiabetic-FriendlyGluten-Free

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 170 g quinoa (enjuagada)
  • 480 ml chicken or vegetable broth (for cocer the quinoa)
  • 450 g chicken breast (in strips finas)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 5 g smoked paprika
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 6 g garlic (1 clove grated and 1 chopped)
  • 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 1 g black pepper (or to taste, divided)
  • 60 g baby spinach
  • 180 g cucumber (en medias lunas finas)
  • 50 g red onion (thinly sliced finas)
  • 170 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 unit lime (2 tbsp de jugo)
  • 8 g fresh dill (chopped)
  • 8 g fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 25 g pumpkin seeds (tostadas lightly)

Nutrition facts

per serving

438 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
27 g
Carbs
21 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
23 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

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 14 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    2. Meanwhile, toss the chicken with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chopped garlic, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper.

  3. 3

    3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned and it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

  4. 4

    4. In a bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lime zest, 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice, dill, parsley, the remaining salt, and the remaining black pepper until creamy.

  5. 5

    5. In another bowl, combine the cucumber and red onion with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the yogurt sauce for a quick dressing.

  6. 6

    6. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and divide among 4 bowls. Top with the baby spinach so it softens slightly from the warmth of the quinoa.

  7. 7

    7. Arrange the hot chicken, dressed cucumber and onion, and the lime yogurt sauce over each bowl. Finish with the pumpkin seeds and serve immediately.

Chef tips

For extra texture, toast the pumpkin seeds for 2 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat before serving. For deeper flavor, let the seasoned chicken sit for 10 minutes while the quinoa comes to a boil.

Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for turkey strips. Dill can be replaced with mint or extra parsley. If you do not have lime, use lemon in the same amount. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt and only label it dairy-free if every product used is dairy-free.

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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