Mexican Quinoa with Creamy Chicken and Vegetables

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy chicken and vegetables are served over quinoa in this weeknight dinner with savory Mexican flair.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups water, divided
1 cup quinoa
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed, divided
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 chicken tenders, cut into chunks
1/4 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup frozen green peas
1/4 cup frozen mixed bell peppers
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 limes, juiced

Directions

1 Bring 2 cups water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in 3 garlic cloves, chili powder, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes with a wooden spoon. Add chicken; cook and stir for about 5 minutes. Pour in remaining 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
3 Stir corn, peas, peppers, and spinach into the skillet. Cover and cook for 5 minutes more. Mix milk and flour together and pour into the skillet; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
4 Divide quinoa among 4 serving plates. Scoop chicken and vegetable mixture on top. Whisk lime juice and remaining garlic together in a bowl; drizzle over each serving.