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
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.
Lisa Bishop
DeLICIOUS! I made a few substitutions (cut up breasts instead of thighs, used Rosemary Essential Oil instead of herb, used more mushrooms and onions than it called for, and used kale instead of spinach as I had kale on hand), but it was still delicious! This is a winner and one we could eat regularly!
Amber L
Stumbled upon this recipe last night. I normally make recipes as they are but I had to make a few swaps due to what I had on hand and a distaste for shrooms. Used diced carrots, red onion, and a small package of frozen spinach. Really awesome and obviously versatile recipe. Love anything that's this easy, nutritious, and quick clean up! Leftovers are awesome. as well:)Will be adding this into rotation.
Lauren Holtman
I finally tried this recipe over the weekend (it's been on my list for ages). A total winner! We made the recipe as printed, no adjustments and it turned out so well. Lots of flavor and really easy.
Ursi
Was really struggling with this recipe.....Quinoa normally takes about 10 min to cook with double the amount of water.
After 15 min simmering acc. your recipe I was supposed to add the chicken. By that time the water was completly absorbed! So >I had to make extra bouillon to add. ......and then 15 min for the chicken is not enough to be fully cooked!
Really, I don't know what I did wrong?
Clair
Oh my Goodness!! I just finished making this and I rate it!! Taste is out of the park good!! Must try!!
Dara
I edited the recipe to make it a little more clear. Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Paty
Hello - we are not fans of mushrooms - can you recommend another vegetable to use? Also, I have some quinoia from another recipe just chilling in my fridge - can I add that to the recipe and not cook up another batch? Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Dara
Hi Paty, you could substitute several veggies for the mushrooms, such as peppers, butternut squash or roasted tomatoes. Of course, the flavor will change a bit, but should still be good.
Angela
Made this and LOVED it! I coated the chicken with oregano, rosemary and basil. I used green beans instead of spinach and added some fresh garlic to the vegetable mixture. It was so flavorful!
Dara
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! The green beans sounds like a great option.
Kimberly
how do you convert the cooking time when using a crockpot?
Dara
Hi Kimberly, I haven't tested this recipe in the crockpot, so I'm hesitant to give specific instructions.
Amethyst
This was a very good receipt. Made it but added a little white wine for flavor with the chicken broth. 4.8 starts.. Very good.
Dara
White wine would add a great layer of flavor. Good suggestion!