The calendar tells me that we are still in the early-ish days of January, which means that my duty is to inundate you with dark green vegetable juices, pale salads, and other manners of light, resolution-friendly fare. My thermometer tells me it was below 10 degrees, meaning we need some serious comfort food. This simple chicken and mushroom skillet with quinoa recipe is here to save the day (but this Chicken Fried Rice would also hit the spot).
How to Make Mushroom Chicken and Quinoa Skillet
With a warm combination of lean, protein-rich chicken and quinoa, meaty mushrooms, earthy thyme, and nutty Parmesan, this satisfying dish is healthy and cozy at the same time (just like this One Pan Broccoli Quinoa Skillet with Parmesan and White Beans). Added bonus? It’s also fast. From start to finish, you can have this mushroom chicken on your table in fewer than 30 minutes, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights.
The Ingredients
Chicken Breast. Juicy, protein-packed chicken breast makes this dish filling and satisfying. If you prefer dark meat, you could swap for chicken thighs too.
Mushrooms. Because this recipe is so few ingredients, the type of mushrooms you choose are important. I used and recommend baby bellas (creminis) which are widely available and affordable, though Grilled Portobello Mushrooms would also be divine.Quinoa. With 8 grams of protein per 1 cup serving and 5 grams of fiber, quinoa is an excellent gluten free grain that adds nutrition and bulk to the recipe. (For another tasty quinoa recipe, try this Quinoa Fried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables.)Chicken Stock. My preferred liquid for cooking quinoa since it infuses the tender grains with tons of flavor. I always opt for low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the salt content in the recipe.Garlic. A hefty amount of garlic seasons the dish adding flavor and zip.Parmesan. Adds just the right amount of creamy cheesy goodness without weighing down the dish.Thyme. Fragrant and earthy, fresh thyme lends a layer of aromatic woodsy flavor.
The Directions
Tools Used to Make This Recipe
3-Quart Sauté Pan. Two other excellent, less expensive options here and here.Non-Slip Cutting Board. This one is dishwasher-safe.
Whatever the temperature in your part of the world, I hope this healthy, comforting mushroom chicken and quinoa skillet recipe keeps you cozy, whether you enjoy it in Bermuda shorts or a burrito blanket.
Skillet Kale Chicken. Swap in kale for the mushrooms.Skillet Butternut Squash Chicken. This would have delicious harvesty flavors.Sweet Potatoes. Swapping in sweet potatoes would add even more nutritional value to this dish (like in this Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts).Broccoli. One of my favorite veggies to add. This Roasted Frozen Broccoli could even be added in at the end of cooking.
