Description
These Pesto Chicken Power Bowls are fresh, filling, and packed with vibrant flavor. Juicy grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a homemade basil pesto come together in one balanced and satisfying bowl that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken pieces, about 450 grams
- 1 cup dry quinoa, about 170 grams
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, about 150 grams
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, about 40 grams
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts, about 30 grams
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil, about 80 milliliters
- 1 whole lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, about 25 grams
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and the quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth but slightly textured.
- Divide the cooked quinoa into 4 bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado.
- Spoon a generous amount of pesto over each bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
- Toast the pine nuts lightly before blending for deeper flavor.
- Slice the chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Store components separately in airtight containers for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg