I’ll never forget the first time I made this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I was scrambling to get a healthy, satisfying meal on the table. But when I took that first bite of the tender chicken coated in a sweet-and-tangy honey mustard sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy quinoa, I knew I had stumbled upon a new household favorite. The kids gobbled it up, and my husband kept going back for seconds. From that moment on, Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl became a regular rotation in our meal planning.
Why This Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl
There’s just something special about the way the flavors and textures come together in this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl. The key is balancing the richness of the chicken with the nuttiness of the quinoa and the brightness of the honey mustard dressing. Plus, it’s a one-bowl wonder that’s easy to prep and customize to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly lunch, this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The dark meat stays juicier and more flavorful than breast when cooked in the honey mustard sauce.
- Quinoa: This superfood grain provides a base of protein, fiber, and complex carbs to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Honey: The perfect balance of sweetness to offset the tang of the mustard.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a bold, pungent flavor that complements the honey beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken and create the honey mustard dressing.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl Instructions
Preparing Your Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an easy and satisfying weeknight meal. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan, a medium saucepan, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions in the saucepan. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2- Next, season the chicken thighs all over with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of water or chicken broth to create the honey mustard sauce. Pour this over the chicken in the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
4- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from heat. Slice or shred the chicken and add it to the cooked quinoa, stirring to combine.
5- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
6- Enjoy this satisfying and nutritious one-bowl meal!
Pro Tips for Success
To get the most tender, juicy chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and pull it off the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F.
For an extra creamy honey mustard sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of plain Greek yogurt.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the quinoa in the skillet before cooking it according to package directions.
Serving and Storing Your Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Perfect Pairings for Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for an even more well-rounded plate. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or light beer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also meal prep it by cooking the quinoa and chicken in advance, then assembling the bowls when ready to eat.
To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. The quinoa and chicken will stay nice and moist.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Creative Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl Variations
Switch up the protein by using shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp instead of the chicken thighs.
For a veggie-packed version, add roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, or diced bell peppers.
Swap the quinoa for brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice for a grain-free option.
Making Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl Diet-Friendly
To make this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
For a lower-carb take, reduce the amount of quinoa and serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of mixed greens.
Those following a dairy-free diet can omit the Greek yogurt in the sauce or use a non-dairy alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. They may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl ahead of time?
A: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Cook the quinoa and chicken up to 3 days in advance, then simply assemble the bowls when ready to serve. Store the components separately in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat and enjoy.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and quinoa separately for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat the components together in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
A: To reduce the carbs, you can use cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles instead of the quinoa. You can also cut back on the amount of quinoa and serve the Honey Mustard Chicken over a bed of greens.
Q: What should I do if the sauce doesn’t thicken up?
A: If the honey mustard sauce seems too thin, try whisking in a teaspoon or two of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. This will help it cling better to the chicken.
Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Elevate your weeknight routine with this delectable Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl. Juicy chicken, fluffy quinoa, and a medley of fresh vegetables come together in a tantalizing honey mustard sauce for a quick, nutritious, and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
2. – In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. – In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard.
4. – In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, quinoa, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the honey mustard sauce over the top and toss gently to coat.
5. – Serve the Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of plain Greek yogurt to the honey mustard sauce.
– Customize the vegetables to your liking, such as adding shredded carrots or cherry tomatoes.
– This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a great option for meal prep or packed lunches.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a total game-changer for easy, healthy dinners. The combination of tender chicken, nutty quinoa, and tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-bowl wonder that’s endlessly customizable to your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick weeknight meal, this Honey Mustard Chicken Quinoa Bowl is sure to become a new family favorite. Go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
