In this easy one-pot chicken recipe, chicken, quinoa, mushrooms and spinach nestle together for a healthy meal with minimal clean-up. 256 calories and 6 Weight Watchers SP
On those days when cooking and clean-up seem overwhelming, this one-pot chicken quinoa dish comes to the rescue!
Ever since I fist made Quinoa with Caramelized Crimini Mushrooms, Soy Sauce and Ginger years ago, I knew that one of my favorite whole grains (which can even be frozen for easy meal prep!) was a perfect match for my all-time favorite vegetable.
So, why not nestle some seasoned chicken thighs into the simmering quinoa and mushroom mixture, along with some fresh spinach for a complete meal?
Healthy dinner on the table and massive clean-up averted.
My job here is done.
Tips for making this one-pot chicken quinoa meal:
The first step is to get a nice sear on the spice-coated chicken thighs. That golden brown crust on the outside adds flavor. Never turn down the opportunity to add an extra layer of flavor! Two to three minutes per side in a hot skillet will do the trick.
Next up…sauté the mushrooms and onions until tender, then stir in the garlic.
Add the broth and quinoa, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. The mixture should be simmering.
About 10 minutes later, add the chicken thighs back to the skillet. Don't leave behind the accumulated juices (hello, flavor). Once the chicken is in the pan, cover and cook.
Be sure that the mixture is simmering! If you don't see bubbles, turn up the heat a bit so that the mixture is hot enough to cook the chicken.
The last step is to add the spinach and adjust the seasonings (salt and pepper) to taste. Super simple!
What can I use in place of mushrooms?
If you're not a rabid fan of mushrooms like I am, feel free to make a substitution. Zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, carrots, eggplant or even sliced cabbage added in the last few minutes. Plenty of options!
Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?
Yes. If using breasts, I suggest cutting them in half or in thirds if they are large. Take care not to overcook the meat, as chicken breasts tend to dry out easily.
Other one-pot dinner recipes:
One-Pot Italian Chicken & Quinoa {Cookin' Canuck}
One-Pot Whole Wheat Pasta with Chicken & Spinach {Cookin' Canuck}
One-Pot Creamy Peanut Spinach Lentils {Food Faith Fitness}
One Pan Healthy Paella {The Clean Eating Couple}
Printable Recipe
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
One-Pot Chicken, Quinoa, Mushrooms & Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- ¾ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups low-fat chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups sliced spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a medium bowl. Add the rosemary, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and toss to coat the chicken.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the onion and mushrooms, and cook until the vegetables are tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir the quinoa and broth into the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Nestle the chicken into the quinoa, and cook (covered) until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes (total of 30 minutes).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate. Stir the spinach into the quinoa. Serve with the chicken. Season to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was first published on September 11, 2015 and was updated on August 27, 2020.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Martha @ A Family Feast
I love how quick and easy this is - perfect for a weeknight family dinner!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Yeah for one pot dinners that make mom life that much simpler! I heart you! 🙂 I love mushrooms and quinoa so you can bet this recipe will be on our dinner table sometime in the near future!
The Food Hunter
I love one-pot dinners they make weeknights so much easier.
Terri A.
This looks like a perfect meal to me.
Amy Stafford
What a great weeknight dinner. Always looking for great healty one pot dinners for my menu plan!
Carolyn
That is a fabulous one pot meal, my friend.
Renee @ Tortillas and Honey
What a great one-pot dish! I'm always looking for easy and yummy recipes, and this recipe looks like it fits the bill. I can't wait to give this dish a try!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
This is right up my alley! All of your recipes are always good and since we'll be on vacation (I still cook) this will be perfect. I never know what kind of utensils will be in the kitchen so I'm taking my skillet. Thank you for sharing.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
I love quinoa and this sounds wonderful!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
This is TOTALLY my kinda dinner! One pot meals are always a hit and I love all things quinoa! The mushrooms are perfect for the fall weather so I gotta say it: Winner winner chicken dinner! Pinned!