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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 lime, cut into wedges - Salt and pepper to taste For the Cajun Chicken Power Bowl, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The chicken breasts are the stars here. Choose ones that are plump and firm. Cajun seasoning brings the heat and flavor that makes this dish special. I use a good olive oil for cooking. It adds richness and helps the spices stick to the chicken. Quinoa is a great base. It’s packed with protein and gives you a nice texture. Rinse it well to remove its natural coating. This helps it cook better and taste great. The vegetable broth adds depth. You can use water, but broth gives it a richer flavor. Now for the veggies. I love the crunch of red bell pepper. Black beans provide protein and fiber. Corn adds a sweet touch, and I prefer fresh if I can find it. The avocado gives creaminess, while the cherry tomatoes add freshness. The finishing touch is cilantro. It brightens up the bowl. Serve with lime wedges for that zesty kick. Use salt and pepper to season to your taste. Each ingredient plays a role in this flavorful and filling meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, take your chicken breasts and place them in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken. Next, sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides. Make sure each piece is well coated. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in and makes it taste amazing. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Set the pot over medium heat. Once it boils, turn the heat down low, cover it, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes. You know the quinoa is done when it looks fluffy and the liquid is gone. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork to keep it light. Heat a skillet over medium heat. If needed, add a bit more olive oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, move the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper, black beans, and corn. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them occasionally until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to boost the flavor. This step adds color and texture to your bowl. Grab a large bowl and start with a base layer of fluffy quinoa. Next, layer on the sautéed veggies, sliced Cajun chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Arrange everything nicely for a great look. Each layer brings its own color and flavor to the dish. Finish your bowl by sprinkling chopped cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a fresh zing when you squeeze it over the bowl. This dish not only looks good but tastes even better, making it a hit for any meal! Marinating chicken makes it taste better. I suggest using olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Let the chicken sit for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Before you slice the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices inside. If you skip this step, your chicken may end up dry. Rinse quinoa well before cooking. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer for the best results. To enhance quinoa flavor, try cooking it in vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add a pinch of salt or herbs while cooking. For a beautiful bowl, use a large white bowl. This color makes the food pop. Arrange the ingredients in sections for a neat look. Add a few lime wedges around the bowl. This not only looks good but lets guests add fresh juice, enhancing the dish's flavor. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes if you have time. This will infuse the meat with deeper flavors from the Cajun seasoning. Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. This step ensures a light and fluffy texture. Customizable Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or even roasted sweet potatoes make great additions to the power bowl. Fresh Lime Juice: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the assembled bowl just before serving adds a refreshing zing that enhances all the flavors. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for many other proteins. Try shrimp or fish for a lighter option. Tofu works well if you want a vegetarian choice. Tempeh is another great vegan protein source. It has a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Quinoa is great, but you can use other grains too. Brown rice or farro adds a hearty touch. Couscous cooks quickly and is very easy to prepare. Just follow the package directions for cooking times. You can also use barley for a nutty flavor. Seasoning can change the whole dish. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. You can use garlic powder or onion powder for extra taste. Mix in more veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. For toppings, consider feta cheese or a dollop of sour cream. To keep your Cajun Chicken Power Bowl fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This will help keep the flavors intact. You can store the chicken, quinoa, and veggies together or separately. If you want to freeze your bowl, let it cool first. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you can enjoy it later. When it’s time to eat, reheating is key for good texture. For the chicken, the best way is in a skillet over medium heat. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you’re reheating quinoa and veggies, use a microwave. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Heat in short bursts and stir occasionally. This helps everything warm evenly. Leftovers can stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If frozen, eat within 3 months for the best taste. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or a strange smell, throw it out. Always trust your senses when checking food freshness. A Cajun Chicken Power Bowl is a hearty dish. It combines seasoned chicken, quinoa, and fresh veggies. This bowl bursts with flavor and color. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick. It’s a perfect balance of protein, grains, and veggies. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and quinoa in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also chop the veggies earlier. Just add them when you are ready to serve. This recipe is quite healthy. It includes lean chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables. Quinoa provides protein and fiber. Beans and veggies add vitamins and minerals. This meal is filling and offers good nutrition. You can easily customize this bowl. If you prefer a different protein, try shrimp or tofu. For grains, use brown rice or farro. Change the vegetables based on your taste. Add cheese or nuts for extra flavor. Serve the bowl with a side salad or steamed veggies. You can also pair it with crusty bread. A refreshing drink like iced tea works well. Try a light beer for a casual meal. This blog post covered all you need to know for a Cajun Chicken Power Bowl. We listed ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and provided storage tips. You can make this meal fresh or ahead of time for easy meals. Remember, you can customize the bowl with different proteins or grains. Enjoy putting your twist on this flavorful dish. With these tips, you’ll create a satisfying meal that looks and tastes great. Dive in and make your Cajun Chicken Power Bowl today!

Cajun Chicken Power Bowl

A flavorful and nutritious bowl featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (can be fresh or frozen)
  • 1 piece ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 piece lime, cut into wedges
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil. Generously sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance its flavor.
  • Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth. Place it over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is fully absorbed. After cooking, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil if needed. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced red bell pepper, black beans, and corn. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is tender yet crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Assemble the Power Bowl: In a large bowl, start by creating a base layer of the fluffy quinoa. Then, artfully layer on the sautéed vegetables, sliced Cajun chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of avocado.
  • Garnish and Serve: Finish by generously sprinkling chopped cilantro over the top of the bowl. Serve with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, use a large white bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.
Keyword bowl, chicken, healthy, quinoa