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You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinners / Chicken Broccoli Quinoa (Healthy One-Pan Recipe!)

Chicken Broccoli Quinoa (Healthy One-Pan Recipe!)

April 29, 2023 By Alia 24 Comments

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Close-up overhead view of Chicken Broccoli Quinoa in a silver skillet with title text overlay.

This Chicken Broccoli Quinoa recipe makes a healthy dinner that everyone in the family will love. It is well-balanced and very satiating, which makes it a great meal for weight loss. Learn how to make homemade chicken quinoa on the stovetop with this easy recipe.

Close-up overhead view of Chicken Broccoli Quinoa in a silver skillet on a black surface.

You are going to love this nourishing dish made with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and quinoa. It is perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor, but is so simple to make. Everything gets cooked together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup is required once it is done.  In addition, Chicken Broccoli Quinoa is a superb meal for anyone who wants to lose weight.

Chicken Broccoli Quinoa for Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight, you need to pay attention to both the quality and quantity of the foods that you consume. Calories matter, but so do the sources of those calories. You should eat healthy and balanced meals, which shut down hunger and prevent you from getting hungry for hours. This is vital for weight loss, as it prevents overeating and snacking between meals.

Two nutrients that play a key role in weight loss are protein and fiber. While protein and fiber are important nutrients on their own, they are even more powerful when combined. Eating meals that are high in protein and fiber keep you feeling full and satisfied, while also providing sustained energy.

This Chicken Broccoli Quinoa recipe is fantastic for weight loss, because it contains a good amount of both protein and fiber. Here is a closer look at each of the main ingredients in this dish:

  • Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which helps you feel satiated for a long period of time. This can help you eat fewer calories overall. Protein is also necessary for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Plus, chicken is a relatively low-calorie protein source, which makes it a great choice for weight loss.
  • Broccoli: Broccoli is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in fiber, which also very filling. Additionally, multiple studies show that increasing your intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, can help prevent weight gain over time (source). Lastly, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
  • Quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein grain that is also rich in fiber. It is also a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provides energy throughout the day. Finally, quinoa contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Overall, this Chicken Broccoli Quinoa recipe is terrific for anyone who is looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It makes a nutritious dinner that is packed with protein and fiber, while also being relatively low in calories.

Zoomed-in overhead view of Chicken Broccoli Quinoa to show texture.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Quinoa

As always, the full instructions are listed in the recipe below. But here are a few notes about each of the steps required to make this recipe:

  1. Sauté the chicken: Cook the chicken pieces and then set them aside. 
  2. Cook the veggies: Sauté the onion and celery in the same pan.
  3. Add the aromatics & herbs: Lightly cook the garlic, dried herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes until fragrant. Gently cooking these ingredients allows them to open up and release their aromas.
  4. Stir in the quinoa, broth & broccoli: Add the quinoa, broth, and broccoli. Leave everything alone to cook, until the liquid has been absorbed by the quinoa.
  5. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
  6. Add the lemon & parsley: Finish the dish with a good squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.

Dinner is served! 🙂 That is all you need to do to make a good-for-you meal that is both simple and delicious.

Where to Get the Best Chicken

I am a huge advocate of only purchasing organic, humanely-raised meat and poultry. This is because it is more nutritious and ethical than factory-farmed meat. For the best organic chicken and other meats, I recommend using ButcherBox.

ButcherBox is a popular organic meat delivery service that sends hormone-free and antibiotic-free cuts directly to your doorstep. Their meat selection includes free-range organic chicken, 100% grass-fed beef, heritage breed pork, wild seafood, and more.

If you want to learn more about ButcherBox and other similar brands, check out this post: The Top Organic & Sustainable Meat Delivery Companies Online. In that article, I review a bunch of at-home meat delivery services that send high-quality meats straight to your home.

Overhead view of One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Quinoa in a white bowl on a black surface.

More Healthy Chicken Recipes

Looking for more good-for-you chicken dinner inspiration? Here are a some of my favorite recipes:

  • Easy Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice
  • Chicken Avocado Quinoa Bowl
  • One-Pan Herb Chicken and Rice
  • Homemade Coconut Chicken Curry

If you make this Chicken Broccoli Quinoa recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating ★ below, because I love hearing from you! ♡

Close-up overhead view of Chicken Broccoli Quinoa in a silver skillet on a black surface.

Chicken Broccoli Quinoa (Healthy One-Pan Recipe!)

Alia | Everyday Easy Eats
This Chicken Broccoli Quinoa recipe makes a tasty, nutrient-dense dinner. Learn how to make homemade chicken quinoa with this easy and filling recipe.
4.83 from 17 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 calories

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnishing

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan or pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and season it liberally with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
  • In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the quinoa and broth. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low. Then, add the broccoli and cover. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all of the liquid.
  • Return the chicken to the pan. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  1. I recommend using organic chicken in this recipe for maximum health benefits.
  2. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Broccoli Quinoa (Healthy One-Pan Recipe!)
Amount per Serving
Calories
380
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Cholesterol
 
82
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
614
mg
27
%
Potassium
 
886
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
 
34
g
11
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
33
g
66
%
Vitamin A
 
502
IU
10
%
Vitamin C
 
46
mg
56
%
Calcium
 
66
mg
7
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword chicken broccoli quinoa, chicken quinoa
Did you try this recipe?Let me know what you thought!

This post was originally published on November 7, 2020. It has been updated to reflect new information and helpful content.

© Everyday Easy Eats. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any of my recipes, text or images without prior permission.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 2pots2cook says

    November 18, 2020 at 10:43 am

    5 stars
    Perfect healthy office lunch ! Pinned to make !

    Reply
    • Alia says

      November 21, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      Aww thanks so much! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Korinne says

    July 26, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was a great way to put together all the random things in my fridge/pantry in a way I never would’ve considered. It is super flavorful for such an easy and healthy dish. Thank you!! Will make again.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      July 26, 2021 at 10:31 pm

      Hi Korinne, thanks so much for letting me know! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe!! I hope you get to try some of my other recipes on the blog too!

      Reply
  3. Laura says

    May 26, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    Do you use fresh or frozen broccoli?

    Reply
    • Alia says

      May 28, 2022 at 9:14 pm

      Hi Laura! I use fresh, but you can also use frozen broccoli. I recommend just letting it cook for a few minutes longer. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Judy says

    June 8, 2022 at 4:16 pm

    5 stars
    Easy quick and good. Doubled red pepper flakes to our liking.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      June 15, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      Thanks so much, Judy! I’m very happy you liked the recipe. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Patricia Walls says

    December 2, 2022 at 10:55 am

    I was wondering if you rinse the quinoa before using it as it can remove the bitterness.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      December 4, 2022 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Patricia! Most of the boxed/bagged quinoa found in stores has been pre-rinsed, so I don’t bother rinsing it myself. However, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse at home, if you find that doing so improves their flavor. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Martha says

    March 3, 2023 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good! I’ve never made quinoa before, and had a bit of a dingaling moment when I tried to pre-rinse it in a strainer with too big holes (oops!), but quickly got back on track. The flavors were great. The only thing I’d do differently next time is add the broccoli sooner, as the quinoa was done by the time I added it, so there wasn’t enough steaming action to cook it through so it was still a bit crunchy. Will definitely make again. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alia says

      March 16, 2023 at 9:34 pm

      Hi Martha! You’re very welcome. Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate it! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Pam S says

    April 8, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    5 stars
    Very tasty. Will make again. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      April 8, 2023 at 5:47 pm

      Yay! I’m very happy you enjoyed the recipe. You’re very welcome, Pam!

      Reply
  8. Dee says

    June 22, 2023 at 11:11 pm

    4 stars
    The flavors were good except for the broccoli. Way overcooked at 20 minutes. I questioned the cooking time when reading through the instructions. If I ever make this again, I would steam broccoli to desired doneness and add it in the end with the chicken.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      June 23, 2023 at 8:54 pm

      Hi Dee, thank you for your feedback! I actually retested the recipe recently. I found that when I added the broccoli with the broth and quinoa it cooked perfectly, as long as I kept the heat on low. But, your way of steaming the broccoli to desired doneness and then adding it in the end with the chicken is a good idea too.

      Reply
  9. Sam says

    June 27, 2023 at 7:52 pm

    4 stars
    Great flavor, but had similar issue as a previous commenter. My broccoli (frozen) dissolved into mush and now I have green quinoa with chicken— but it is delish! I added a little finish of parmigiano reggiano for funsies and it helped the lemon sing a little.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      June 28, 2023 at 6:14 pm

      Hi Sam! Thank you for your feedback. If you make the recipe again, then you can try adding the broccoli closer towards the end of the cooking time. Also, I love that you added parmigiano reggiano, so yummy!

      Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    July 16, 2023 at 4:20 pm

    Is 4 servings correct for the nutritional value info provided? It seems like a LOT of food.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      July 20, 2023 at 10:06 pm

      Hi Chelsea! The recipe makes enough food to serve 4, and the nutritional information provided is per serving. So yes, it is correct! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Tiffany says

    August 30, 2023 at 12:24 pm

    Question! What if my quinoa is already cooked? I’m trying to use left overs.

    Reply
    • Alia says

      August 30, 2023 at 5:11 pm

      Hi Tiffany! I haven’t tried doing this myself, but you could follow the recipe directions until you get to the step where you have to add the quinoa and the broth. Instead of doing that, keep the heat at medium and add the broccoli to the pan and just stir-fry it for about 5 minutes. Once the broccoli is cooked, add your cooked quinoa. Then, add the cooked chicken, lemon juice, and parsley and mix everything together. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        August 30, 2023 at 6:04 pm

        Thank you so much! My husband made the whole bag yesterday and didn’t realize how much it made. 😂😂🤦🏻‍♀️

        Reply
        • Alia says

          September 1, 2023 at 7:38 am

          You’re very welcome, Tiffany! 🙂 Please let me know how it turns out!

          Reply

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