Name: Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 breasts skinless chicken (cooked and diced into bite-size pieces); 4 thighs skinless chicken (cooked and diced into bite-size pieces); 1 large butternut squash (cooked and diced into bite-size pieces); Salt and pepper (to taste); Taco seasoning (to taste); 1 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 15-ounce can corn (drained); 4 cups prepared quinoa (or a combination of grains (like brown rice or farro)); 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons salsa ranchera

Are you looking for a nourishing, flavorful meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat? Look no further than this Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl! Bursting with protein, fiber, and a rainbow of flavors, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Featuring juicy chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and roasted butternut squash over a bed of quinoa, this bowl is a wholesome feast that will keep you satisfied. The creamy Greek yogurt and zesty salsa ranchera add a delightful twist that ties everything together. Let’s dive into why this recipe is my go-to!

Why It’s My Go-To

This Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl has become a staple in my kitchen for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, grains, and proteins, making it suitable for any palate. Second, it’s packed with nutrients to fuel your day. The combination of quinoa, chicken, and vegetables ensures you get a balanced meal in every bite. Finally, it’s a meal prep dream! You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout. What’s not to love?

What Goes Into Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl

To whip up this delicious bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced into bite-size pieces
4 skinless chicken thighs, cooked and diced into bite-size pieces
1 large butternut squash, cooked and diced into bite-size pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
Taco seasoning, to taste
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
4 cups prepared quinoa or a combination of grains (like brown rice or farro)
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons salsa ranchera

Equipment & Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

Cutting board – For chopping your veggies and chicken.
Sharp knife – To easily dice the butternut squash and chicken.
Baking sheet – For roasting the butternut squash.
Large mixing bowl – To combine all your ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Pot or rice cooker – To prepare the quinoa or grains.

Stepwise Method: Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa

Begin by rinsing your quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a pot, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. If you’re using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

While the squash is roasting, cook your chicken breasts and thighs. You can grill, bake, or sauté them until fully cooked. Once cooked, dice them into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced chicken, roasted butternut squash, black beans, and corn. Gently toss until everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and salsa ranchera. This creamy sauce adds a zesty kick to your burrito bowl.

Step 6: Assemble Your Burrito Bowl

Divide the quinoa mixture among serving bowls. Drizzle with the Greek yogurt sauce, and garnish with additional salsa ranchera if desired. You can also add toppings like avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the best things about this Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is that it can be made with pantry staples and common fridge items. Here’s what you might already have on hand:

Quinoa or other grains
Black beans and corn (canned)
Greek yogurt
Taco seasoning
Salt and pepper

You can easily adapt this recipe to include whatever ingredients you have available, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Even seasoned cooks can stumble when making this Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Overcooking the quinoa – It should be fluffy, not mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
Undercooking the butternut squash – Ensure it’s tender and caramelized for the best flavor.
Not seasoning enough – Don’t skip the salt, pepper, and taco seasoning, as they enhance the dish significantly.
Skipping the sauce – The Greek yogurt and salsa ranchera elevate the entire bowl, so don’t leave it out!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

This Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is ideal for meal prepping. Here are some tips to make it ahead of time:

Cook the quinoa and chicken in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
Roast the butternut squash ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
Prepare the Greek yogurt sauce and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Assemble your bowls right before serving to maintain freshness, but you can easily portion them out for grab-and-go meals!

FAQ

Can I use different proteins in this bowl?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this burrito bowl vegan?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tempeh or chickpeas, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and ensure your taco seasoning is vegan-friendly.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Top your bowl with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

How long does this burrito bowl last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, this Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl will last for about 4 days in the refrigerator. Just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, and they’ll appreciate a wholesome recipe that’s easy to make. Save it to your favorite recipe collection or share it on social media to inspire others to eat healthy and delicious meals.

This Healthy Quinoa Burrito Bowl is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal while satisfying your taste buds. With its colorful ingredients, satisfying flavors, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder it’s become a favorite in my kitchen. Whether you whip it up for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this bowl is sure to become a staple in your home as well. Enjoy every bite and feel good about nourishing your body!