Please welcome Avital Greenbaum from “A Slice of Nutrition.” She’s sharing her “One Pot” Chicken, Zucchini and Quinoa dinner! Just reading through this makes me hungry! Thank you Avital for sharing!
Chicken, Zucchini, and Quinoa “One Pot” Meal
I love spending time with my family and what better way to do it than over dinner. Family dinner is a priority of mine. My daughter eats dinner before my husband gets home from work so I sit with her and usually eat a snack while she eats. My husband and I dine later, once she’s asleep. Excess dishes are the bane of my existence so I’m a big fan of one pot meals. Less dishes = a happy Avital.
This dish combines a lean protein with a hearty vegetable and a protein-rich grain alternative. Quinoa is technically a seed and actually related to spinach and Swiss chard! It is a complete protein meaning it includes all the essential amino acids our bodies need to function. 1 cup provides 222 calories, 8 g of protein, and 5 g of fiber. It is low in fat but very high in carbs. I recommend practicing portion control for quinoa as it is quite caloric.
Ingredients:
1 large zucchini (green or yellow), sliced
1 c quinoa, soaked and rinsed
2 c low sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in)
Spices (suggestions: garlic powder, pepper, paprika)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Grease square casserole dish (or rectangle for double the recipe).
Line bottom of pan with zucchini.
Distribute quinoa over zucchini.
Pour broth over quinoa and zucchini.
Place chicken on top of ingredients
Sprinkle spices on top of chicken
Bake for 1 hour
Chicken should get crispy and the liquid should be absorbed by the quinoa. Enjoy for a wholesome filling meal. Best part- only 1 dish to wash (besides your plates)!
Avital Greenbaum is a Registered Dietitian with a BS in Nutritional Science.
She has worked in hospitals, day health centers, and home care where she provided nutritional counseling to a broad range of patients. She started her nutrition blog, A Slice of Nutrition because she loves educating the public on how to make healthy eating a part of their lives. Spending time with her husband and daughter always comes first but blogging is most definitely next in line. Stay healthy!
