Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl
Looking for healthy instant pot recipes? This vibrant Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Bowl is ready in under an hour! A complete, flavourful meal your family will love. Get the recipe! ... Healthy & Wholesome
Recipe Introduction: Unlock the Magic of Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
Ever stare blankly into your fridge wondering what to cook? i feel you. but what if i told you i have a game-changer? we're diving into the world of healthy instant pot recipes , particularly a lemon herb chicken and quinoa power bowl that's so good, it'll become your new weeknight staple.
It's bursting with fresh, mediterranean-inspired flavours.
A Wholesome Bowl of Goodness
This isn't just some random recipe; it's a flavour adventure that's easy and good for you. originating from my desire to have healthy quick meals, this bowl celebrates fresh herbs and zesty lemon.
This one-pot wonder is rated as easy and takes about 45 minutes. this recipe yields 4 servings of pure goodness.
Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Power Bowl
This dish delivers a serious protein punch thanks to the chicken and quinoa. plus, it's packed with nutrients from the fresh herbs and lemon.
Looking for healthy high protein meals ? this is it. make this as a protein dinner or create your own custom menu item with your desired toppings.
It's macro friendly recipes at its finest. it's also the perfect answer for those crazy weeknights when you need something quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how simple it is to create a flavorful and healthy meal in one pot.
Ready to see how we whip up this Instant Pot magic? Let's get into the ingredients.
Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need for these healthy instant pot recipes , focusing on a killer pot roast in instant pot recipe .
Honestly, it’s way easier than you think! i remember the first time i tried pot roast instant pot recipe – total game changer.
Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, so, for the Best Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe , you'll need:
- About 3 lbs (1.36kg) of chuck roast . Look for good marbling. That’s the key to flavour!
- 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil.
- 1 large yellow onion , roughly chopped.
- 3 cloves of garlic , minced.
- 1 lb (450g) of carrots, chopped into chunks.
- 1 lb (450g) of potatoes, quartered. Yukon Golds are my fave!
- 1 cup (240ml) of beef broth. Low sodium is best.
- 1 tbsp (8g) of Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tsp (5g) of dried thyme.
- 1 tsp (5g) of dried rosemary.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Quality indicators? The chuck roast should have a nice, deep red colour and lots of marbling. It might be a bit pricier, but worth it!
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, the combo of thyme and rosemary is pure magic. You can always add a bay leaf for extra depth too.
For a flavour enhancer, a dash of balsamic vinegar after cooking can really brighten things up. if you're out of worcestershire, a little soy sauce will work in a pinch.
I’ve done it plenty of times.
This will be one of your favorite Chuck Roast Insta Pot Recipes .
Equipment Needed
You’ll need:
- An Instant Pot (6-quart or larger).
- A cutting board.
- A sharp knife.
- Measuring spoons and cups.
Don’t stress if you don’t have fancy tools. a regular kitchen knife and a chopping board will do the trick.
The instant pot is the star of the show for this easy instant pot pot roast , so make sure you have one.
If you're looking for a healthy protein dinner , this will work great for your custom menu , it is also macro friendly recipes and a great option for healthy high protein meals .
If you are a fan of pot roast crock pot recipes instant pot version will become your favourite.
Now that you know the ingredients, let's dive into the steps! This one's a keeper, perfect for those chilly evenings. Plus, leftovers are amazing.
While you are at it make sure to check other healthy instant pot recipes for a delicious instant pot chicken chili recipes , like insta pot chicken chili , pressure cooker chicken chili , healthy chicken chili instant pot and cream cheese chicken chili instapot .
Alright, let's dive into my favourite way to make a complete and healthy meal: the instant pot ! today, we're tackling a lemon herb chicken and quinoa power bowl .
It's basically a flavour explosion. think mediterranean sunshine meets superfood goodness, all done in one pot. honestly, it is one of the best healthy instant pot recipes ever.
You know that feeling when you nail a dish that's both good and good for you? this is it!
Prep Power: Getting Ready for Instant Pot Magic
First things first, mise en place is key. chop your onion and mince that garlic. got some boneless, skinless chicken breasts? get them seasoned with salt and pepper.
Rinse your quinoa! seriously, don't skip this step, it gets rid of any bitterness. time-saving tip? while the instant pot is heating up, prep all your toppings.
Safety reminder: always make sure the instant pot is sealed properly before you start cooking. oh my gosh, no one wants a kitchen explosion.
From Zero to Hero: Step-by-Step Cooking
Here's the super simple process:
- Season the chicken.
- Sauté chopped onion and garlic in the Instant Pot with 1 tbsp olive oil .
- Turn off sauté. Add rinsed quinoa, broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs. Gently place chicken on top.
- Lock the lid. Set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes .
- Let it naturally release for 10 minutes , then manually release the rest.
- Remove chicken. Shred.
- Fluff that quinoa!
- Assemble bowls with quinoa, chicken, and your favourite toppings. Visual cue? The chicken should shred easily. Internal temperature should be 165° F .
I've made this a million times, and it always comes out perfect. This Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is a variation of the same layering technique, just with beef!
Pro Tips and Tricks
Okay, listen up! first, always rinse your quinoa . it makes a world of difference. second, don't overcook the chicken! 8 minutes is usually perfect.
If it needs more, add a minute or two. remember, a natural pressure release is your friend for juicy chicken.
Common mistake? forgetting to seal the instant pot properly. trust me, i've been there. make-ahead option? you can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.
That's how i make sure i stay on track with healthy high protein meals during the week. so easy! don't forget you can substitute out the quinoa for rice, just increase the liquid.
Many of my friends do it to make a pot roast instant pot recipe variation with rice.
This recipe is easily adjustable for dietary concerns. to achieve healthy chuck roast insta pot recipes , you can prepare the pot roast and then portion it into meal prep containers alongside sides like steamed vegetables and quinoa, providing a balanced and nutritious meal.
Healthy instant pot recipes like this one are a lifesaver. it's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. and it's packed with protein and flavour.
You can also easily create some instant pot chicken chili recipes to add even more variety to your meal plan using this amazing appliance.
Alright, let's chat about the nitty-gritty of this healthy instant pot recipes Chicken and Quinoa bowl. Honestly, it's so straightforward, but a few insider tips can elevate it from "good" to "OMG amazing!"
Recipe Notes
What to Serve? Plating & More!
Okay, presentation matters, right? i like to pile this high in a bowl. think mediterranean sunshine. a sprinkle of extra feta does the trick! it also pairs incredibly well with some protein dinner .
Honestly, i sometimes just grab a fork and eat straight from the insta pot chicken chili (don't judge!). but seriously, a side of crusty bread for soaking up the juices? yes, please! i am a massive fan of macro friendly recipes .
Storage Sorted!
Leftovers? You're in luck! This keeps like a champ.
- Fridge: Pop it in an airtight container. Lasts for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. It's one of my favorite healthy high protein meals . I actually freeze these. So I can defrost for meal prep. Defrost overnight in the fridge and it's ready to go.
- Reheating: Microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop. A splash of broth keeps it moist.
Variations? Sorted!
Let's switch things up a bit!
- Low-Carb: Swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice. Boom!
- Seasonal Swaps: Use sun-dried tomatoes in winter instead of fresh. Or add asparagus in spring.
Also try some healthy instant pot recipes with more traditional dishes. Such as Pot Roast Instant Pot Recipes . This could include trying the Best Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe .
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's be real. We all wanna know what we are putting in our bodies, right? This bowl is packed! It is awesome for chuck roast insta pot recipes .
This is a good way to make a Pot Roast In Instant Pot Recipe . And it saves on time too.
- Protein: Chicken is lean and mean when it comes to protein.
- Fiber: Quinoa keeps you feeling full.
- Vitamins: Hello, lemon and herbs!
Honestly, this instant pot lemon herb chicken and quinoa power bowl is a lifesaver. it is quick and healthy. plus, it tastes amazing.
Get creative with those toppings and make it your own. give it a go, you won’t regret it! using a pressure cooker chicken chili recipe might be the next thing to try.
Or an easy instant pot pot roast .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chicken and quinoa bowl actually one of those healthy instant pot recipes I keep hearing about, or just another fad?
Absolutely! This Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl is packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber and nutrients from the quinoa, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Plus, cooking in the Instant Pot helps retain more nutrients compared to some other cooking methods, so it's a win-win! It's like having your healthy cake and eating it too (without the cake, obviously!).
I'm a complete Instant Pot newbie – is this recipe easy enough for someone who's only ever made beans in it?
Fear not, my friend! This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. It's basically a "dump and start" situation - you just layer the ingredients in the pot, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do its magic. If you can make beans, you can definitely conquer this chicken and quinoa bowl. Just remember to rinse the quinoa first, or it'll be like that time you forgot to buy teabags for your builder!
Can I tweak this recipe to make it even more "me"? What kind of variations work with this healthy instant pot recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce. You can also swap out the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Get creative with your toppings – roasted vegetables, avocado, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt would be delicious, like accessorizing your favourite outfit. Just don't add pineapple unless you're brave!
How long will this chicken and quinoa last in the fridge, and is it good for meal prep?
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store the cooked chicken and quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. It's just as good as leftovers should be, unlike that sad microwaved fish you once had at work.
Can I freeze this Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl recipe?
You sure can! Allow the cooked chicken and quinoa to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to help it rehydrate. It's like giving your future self a hug!
I'm watching my sodium intake - are there any adjustments I can make to this healthy instant pot recipe?
Definitely! Use low-sodium chicken broth to significantly reduce the sodium content. Also, be mindful of the salt you add. Taste as you go, and remember that toppings like feta cheese and olives can also be quite salty, so adjust accordingly. You could even try adding some extra lemon juice or fresh herbs to boost the flavour without relying on salt. You'll be watching your sodium like hawk, but still enjoying every bite!
