How to Make Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Goat Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a hearty and nutritious meal that's bursting with flavor, then this recipe for quinoa with butternut squash, chicken, and goat cheese is just what you need. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also packed with protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Quinoa is a popular grain that's known for its high protein content and numerous health benefits. It's also gluten-free and contains all nine...

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Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • water to cover
  • 1 ½ cups quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins®)
  • 1 (5.5 ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, or more to taste
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 cups

  • Place chicken breasts in a saucepan; add water and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and simmer just until chicken breasts are no longer pink in the middle, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken breasts and set aside to cool, reserving water.
  • Measure 3 cups from reserved water and discard any remaining. Pour the 3 cups water back into saucepan. Add quinoa and bouillon; return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pecans and toss until fragrant and one shade darker, about 5 minutes. Remove pecans and set aside. Add butternut squash and 2 tablespoons water to the same skillet; cook and stir until just tender, adding more water if needed, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Chop chicken breasts into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Combine cooked quinoa, chicken, squash, and pecans in a bowl. Stir in cranberries, goat cheese, and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
  • Nutrition

    631 cal.

    • Total Fat: 29g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 70mg
    • Sodium: 420mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 67g
    • Dietary Fiber: 9g
    • Total Sugars: 21g
    • Protein: 30g
    • Vitamin C: 37mg
    • Calcium: 205mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 1057mg