If you’re craving a vibrant, nourishing meal that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful, you’ve got to try these Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls. This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with earthy beets, bright citrus slices, and hearty quinoa—all topped with fresh herbs and a splash of olive oil. It’s a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds, delivering a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidant-rich ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Trust me, once you taste these bowls, they’ll become your go-to for lunch or dinner that’s wholesome and seriously delicious.

Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls lies in their simple yet vibrant ingredients that work harmoniously to pack bold flavors, contrasting textures, and amazing nutrition. Each element plays a crucial role, from the fluffy quinoa and juicy chicken to the fresh herbs and colorful beets, creating a dish that’s as delightful as it is healthy.

1/2 cup tricolor quinoa: Provides a nutty flavor and protein-rich base that’s delightfully fluffy when cooked right.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein hero of the dish, perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for juiciness.
1 cup roughly chopped lacinto kale, packed: Adds a slight chew and earthiness, lightly wilted for subtle flavor enhancement.
1 blood orange (rind and pith removed, thinly sliced): Bright, tangy slices that introduce a pop of color and refreshing citrus notes.
1 orange (rind and pith removed, thinly sliced): Offers sweeter citrus contrast to the blood orange, balancing the flavors beautifully.
4 cooked beets (2 red and 2 gold, sliced into wedges): The showstoppers with their natural sweetness and stunning jewel tones.
2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped: Freshness and slight pepperiness to lift and brighten the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh basil, roughly chopped: Adds herbal sweetness and complexity to the topping.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Infuses the gremolata with a zingy brightness that rounds out the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps marry all the components together.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory depth to the chicken rub.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Earthy warmth that complements the beets and herbs perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: A mild smoky note that adds dimension to the chicken flavor.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle woody aroma to elevate the seasoning mix.
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a piney, fragrant touch to the spice blend.
1 teaspoon coarse salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides just enough bite and balance to the seasoning.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing the quinoa well, then place it in a small pot with one cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook until the quinoa is tender and fluffy, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This step lays the foundation for your bowl with a fluffy, protein-packed grain that absorbs all the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

While the quinoa cooks, make the chicken rub by combining garlic powder, cumin, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pat your chicken breasts dry and generously coat both sides with the spice blend. This seasoning combo ensures the chicken is bursting with savory, aromatic goodness that will elevate your bowl to another level.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about six minutes per side, ensuring they stay juicy and tender. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest for five minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices locked in, giving you perfectly moist slices for your bowl.

Step 4: Wilt the Kale

Using the same pan, toss in the chopped kale and sauté it for just a minute or two over medium heat. This quick wilt softens the kale slightly and infuses it with the savory flavors left in the skillet. The kale brings a healthy crunch and a lovely hint of bitterness, balancing out the sweeter ingredients in the bowl.

Step 5: Make the Gremolata

Combine the chopped basil, parsley, and lemon zest in a small bowl. This gremolata adds a bright, fresh herbaceous kick that ties all the flavors together. It’s the final touch that makes these Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls taste truly special.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Layer the cooked quinoa as the base in two bowls. Add the sautéed kale, beet wedges, and the citrus slices on top. Arrange sliced chicken breast over everything, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your homemade gremolata. Each bite bursts with color, texture, and a harmonious blend of savory and fresh flavors.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can turn a simple bowl into a feast. Try sprinkling toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or a few crumbles of feta for creamy saltiness. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction will add a tangy-sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the beets and chicken.

Side Dishes

While this bowl can easily stand alone, a crispy green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty ingredients perfectly. For extra comfort, serve with crusty whole-grain bread or warm pita to scoop up every last morsel. These sides keep the meal balanced without overwhelming the fresh, clean flavors of the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed with small bowls of each ingredient so everyone can build their own versions. Or pack the quinoa, kale, and beets layered in a mason jar for an attractive grab-and-go lunch option. Presentation is part of the experience, and these Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls make it easy to shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep any dressings or gremolata separate until ready to serve. Leftovers make a fantastic meal prep option for busy days.

Freezing

Because of the fresh citrus and wilted greens, it’s best not to freeze the entire bowl assembled. However, you can freeze cooked chicken and quinoa separately in portioned bags for up to 2 months. When ready, simply thaw and reheat before adding fresh beets, kale, and citrus slices.

Reheating

Warm the chicken and quinoa gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the quinoa moist. Add the fresh components after reheating to preserve their vibrant flavor and texture. This way, your Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls taste as fresh as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens instead of kale?

Absolutely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula can be used depending on your preference. Just lightly sauté or wilt them as you would with kale to keep the texture pleasant.

Are these bowls suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these bowls are fantastic for meal prep. Keep wet ingredients like citrus slices separate until serving, and your Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls will stay fresh and delicious throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten. Quinoa is a great gluten-free grain choice here.

What if I don’t have blood oranges?

If blood oranges aren’t available, you can use navel oranges or even grapefruit for a citrusy brightness. The mix of sweet and tart really complements the earthy beets and savory chicken.

How do I cook beets for this recipe?

You can boil, roast, or steam beets until tender. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor, which pairs beautifully in these bowls.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls enough for anyone wanting a meal that feels wholesome, fresh, and downright joyful to eat. The way the flavors mingle and the vibrant colors come together just makes every bite a celebration. Definitely give this recipe a try — I promise it will brighten your day and your dinner table!

Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Chicken Quinoa Beet Bowl combines nutrient-rich quinoa, tender spiced chicken breasts, vibrant beets, fresh kale, and citrusy orange slices, all topped with a bright herb gremolata. It’s a colorful, balanced meal perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner that’s packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Instructions

Cook the quinoa: In a small pot, combine the quinoa, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.
Prepare the chicken rub: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, coarse salt, and ground black pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry and liberally coat both sides with the spice rub mixture.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spiced chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Sauté the kale: Using the same skillet, add the roughly chopped kale and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, just enough to soften the leaves and infuse them with flavor from the pan.
Make the gremolata: In a small bowl, combine the chopped basil, parsley, and lemon zest. Mix well to create a fresh herb garnish.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa between two bowls. Top each with the sautéed kale, beet wedges, and thinly sliced orange and blood orange slices. Add the sliced chicken breasts on top. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle generously with the gremolata for a burst of freshness.

Notes

Beets can be pre-cooked or purchased pre-cooked to save time.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Adjust lemon zest quantity in gremolata to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
Make sure to pat chicken dry before applying rub to ensure spices adhere well.
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds as a topping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Health-conscious, Modern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Healthy chicken quinoa bowl, beet quinoa bowl, easy healthy dinner, low fat chicken recipe, nutritious quinoa bowl, kale and beet salad with chicken, citrus chicken bowl